Why St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson is 'concerned' by Killian Phillips form
Stephen Robinson yesterday admitted in-form Killian Phillips could already be playing his way out of Paisley.
The all-action midfielder bagged a brace as St Mirren beat Ayr United 2-1 to qualify for the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup as group winners.
Phillips has been a revelation since arriving at the SMiSA Stadium — with last season's loan move from FA Cup winners Crystal Palace becoming permanent this summer.
He landed a haul of player-of-the-year awards before becoming a full Republic of Ireland international when he came off the bench against Senegal and started at Luxembourg.
Buddies boss Robinson knows the only way is up for the talented 23-year-old and he believes he will keep on getting better.
'If he keeps scoring goals that will be a real concern for us — but a good concern,' the gaffer said. 'He has continued on from where he left off last season with his form and energy. He is a driving force in the team.
'He is turning up with goals in big games and long may that continue. When you are training [internationally] with different players from different backgrounds who have different managers, it helps your education and learning process.
'But he is a very grounded, down-to-earth boy who gives absolutely everything for the football club and he will continue to grow. We will enjoy him while we can.'
Robbo added: 'This is where we are as a football club — we put people on platforms. Killian didn't have loads of offers when he came to us but has grown as a boy and grown as a player.
'He will be the first to say the football club and coaching staff have been fantastic for him. He has snatched his chance and is an international footballer now.
'He will get attention but we don't need to sell. We haven't had any contact at the moment. When Killian leaves, it will be for good money and he will deserve his move. His trajectory is going to where we want it to go.'
Saints didn't have it all their own way yesterday once Kevin Holt pulled a goal back for Ayr but it was a case of job done for Robbo.
'We felt Roland [Idowu] caused them problems and the game should have been dead and buried,' he added. 'But Ayr are a good side with a very good manager and we expected a response.
'We lost a goal from a set-play but we had numerous chances to finish the game off. If you don't do that, it makes it a little bit nervy. But we stood strong and managed the game okay. There were some very good performances.'
Saints will face Hearts in the last 16 and Robbo said: 'To get through is good and to get a home draw is good. We will take the positives out of that.
'It could have been an easier draw than Hearts, of course, but I got to a cup final last time when we had to beat Hearts, Rangers and Aberdeen to get there so there's no reason why we can't do the same.
'We haven't done it so far [go deep in a domestic cup competition] but it certainly is our goal. We're potentially not going to win the league this season but there's always a chance in the cup. If you want to progress, you have to beat the better teams – and Hearts are one of the better teams.'
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