Maturing Mellis repaying Hill’s faith after troubles at Chelsea

The former Chelsea starlet, 21, who headed to Oakwell on a two-year-deal in the summer, has impressed so far this season, scoring two goals in the club’s last three matches and seeing his name in the headlines for the right reasons.

Back in March, Mellis parted company with the Blues after setting off a smoke grenade which caused a full-scale evacuation of their Cobham training ground and the following month was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in an incident in Surrey.

Hill said: “I do believe Jacob will be an elite performer for this football club.

“We knew he had ability when he joined us. But what he has decided is that he wants to make a career in professional football. The petulance of youth that hindered his career at Chelsea has now turned into ambition.

“He has got the bit between his teeth and wants to improve and showcase his ability, which he has got in abundance. We will manage him to make sure there is no fall-off – or fall-out – from where he is aiming.”

Meanwhile, Hill has revealed that star striker Craig Davies is playing with a slight groin injury – but is set to continue to start with him in games.

Davies has already struck four times in 2012-13 – despite not being 100 per cent.

Hill added: “Craig has picked up a slight groin problem. Progressively it could keep him out and it was touch and go whether he started against Blackburn.

“In an ideal world, I would probably have not started him. But maybe it is better to burn out than fade away and we have got to go with that strategy somewhat to get our best starting 11 out on the pitch for as long as we can.”

Hill admits he would like to keep trialists Tom Kennedy – who left Leicester City last month – and John Rooney, younger brother of Manchester United and England star Wayne, if circumstances dictate.

Left-back Kennedy, who has also attracted interest from other clubs, worked under Hill at his previous club Rochdale.