Philliskirk revels in deeper role

Danny Philliskirk: opened his account in midweek.

MOVING back in order to get forward, Danny Philliskirk is aiming to hit the goal trail once again for Athletic.

The 24-year-old was operating as a holding midfielder against Middlesbrough, rather than as a support striker where some see his natural position to be.

But in helping the men in front of him to some effect — official statistics show no player on the pitch had more efforts at goal than his 10, including a late consolation header that found the net — the home-grown utility man timed his runs well to get into scoring positions.

And with a goal under his belt, Philliskirk is on the way to beating last season’s disappointing tally of six — only one of which came after the turn of the year.

Under both Lee Johnson and then Dean Holden his tactical nous and work-rate saw him operate in a deeper role.

And the natural progression of the move backwards was to feature, as on Wednesday night, alongside captain Liam Kelly.

“I played a few games up front last year, but I suppose it was inevitable that I would score playing a bit deeper,” Philliskirk said.

“With my energy, from that position in midfield, I feel I can get up and down the pitch. Especially arriving late in the box, with players in front of you, I feel I can make ‘third man’ runs.

“My goal came too late, but of course it was good to get on the scoresheet and especially against a top side.

“I felt I could have had a hat-trick. But it was positive for us and I got a lot of shots off. If I keep doing that hopefully they will go in for me.”

Perhaps a victim of his own versatility, Philliskirk’s high-energy performance in the absence of Mike Jones and in the light of David Dunn’s sterling efforts as a substitute only increases manager Darren Kelly’s already burgeoning midfield options ahead of tomorrow’s Fleetwood clash.

“The manager knows I can play in a few positions. Perhaps that sometimes works in my favour and sometimes doesn’t,” added Philliskirk.

“But like I have always said, as long as I am in the team I am happy. I will always give my best, even if I am not having the best of games.”

Jones, who is having a knee condition managed by medical staff, should be ready for selection tomorrow for the first home game of the Sky Bet League One season.

But right-back Brian Wilson has a slight groin injury that was being assessed today. He is set to miss out on selection, with Connor Brown the most likely replacement.

Joel Coleman could return in goal, with Jonathan Burn in at centre-back once again.