Jones: Clyne has the full package

The England international capped a steady ascent through the ranks of English football by completing his switch from Southampton on Wednesday, becoming the Reds' sixth acquisition of the summer so far.

Clyne has grown into one of the Barclays Premier League's most reliable defensive performers in recent years and will now hope to nail down a starting berth on the right-hand side of defence at Anfield.

Jones, who did exactly that over an eight-year spell after moving from Crewe Alexandra in 1991, believes the 24-year-old has all the tools to follow in his footsteps.

"Defensively, Nathaniel seems superb," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"His strength is his defensive work. It seems obvious but it's not always the case with modern full-backs.

"He has little bits going forward too and he seems to have everything.

"As full-backs go, he's got the full package. Some are good at defending but can't go forward, but from what I've seen of Nathaniel, he appears to have everything and I've been impressed with the way he times his tackles."

Jones was part of the Roy Evans team that enjoyed great success lining up in a 3-5-2 formation - a set-up often used by Brendan Rodgers last term.

And the 43-year-old is certain the reliable Clyne could perform well at wing-back if asked to do so by his new manager.

"We definitely needed to strengthen in that area," he continued.

"Last season Nathaniel looked pretty good and he hardly missed any games. He played 35 matches in the Premier League and didn't pick up any injuries.

"We need a bit of consistency in the full-back positions.

"You'd imagine with the signing of Nathaniel that Brendan is looking to go with a back four but he'll have to see how things go in pre-season.

"Things can change for you as a manager and I'm sure than Nathaniel could cope with playing in a right wing-back role if needed, as well as a conventional right-back, which is great for the club."