Killian Phillips is one of the most exciting young Irish prospects in the Premier League, and he showed why on Friday in Crystal Palace's demolition job on the Manchester United U21s.
Phillips started in central midfield for Palace's U21s in the Premier League 2 game away to United. With United lining out players like Shola Shoretire and Charlie Savage who have played senior Champions League football, it was a daunting prospect for Palace.
They return to London with three points after a massive 5-1 win - and Dubliner Killian Phillips played a crucial role with two goals and an assist.
Killian Phillips: Young Dub scores twice in 5-1 win for Crystal Palace U21s
Killian Phillips arrived at Crystal Palace this summer for £45,000 from Drogheda United, and he is already making his mark.
The Palace U21s took on Manchester United in the PL2 in Manchester on Friday night. They would come away with a stunning 5-1 victory, to which Phillips contributed two well taken goals (at 3:55 and 6:00 in the video below - his header for the second is a particular highlight).
Phillips could have had even more to his name, with a brilliant solo run ending in a save by United goalkeeper Dermot Mee, before he also rattled the crossbar.
Fellow Irishman Jake O'Brien was also part of the victorious Palace team, putting in an impressive shift at the heart of defence.
Dubliner Killian Phillips certainly seems to be settling in well at Crystal Palace, and his performance on Friday is a statement of intent.
The 20-year-old midfielder played for the senior team in pre-season friendlies against Liverpool and Manchester United in Australia, and will hope for more opportunities in the first team if he can keep this form up.
After the Liverpool friendly, he spoke to Crystal Palace about his excitement for the future at the club:
I was playing Sunday League three years ago. It's madness - this time last year, I might have had about 14 senior appearances. It's unbelievable.
Moments like this...I don't usually take stuff in, I always wanna know "what's next, what's next, what's next?" But I think today I'll sit back, and look back, and reflect - I've done well.
I'm just enjoying it, I'm back to loving my football, I missed it during the summer, I miss off season, I have nothing else besides football. I'm loving it - I just wish me ma was here tonight!
"I just wish my ma was here tonight" 🥰
Killian Phillips, everyone 🙌#CPFC | #Tour2022— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) July 15, 2022
Hopefully it won't be long before Killian Phillips can have his mother in the stands for a Crystal Palace game closer to home. He is certainly an Irish player to keep an eye on in the coming months and years.
SEE ALSO: Teddy Sheringham Says Roy Keane Didn't Speak To Him For Years After Fight On Night Out
