Irish midfielder Killian Phillips put a difficult week behind him yesterday by playing a starring role for Wycombe in their FA Cup first round victory.
The 21-year-old who is out on loan at the League One club from Crystal Palace came in for heavy criticism last week as he opted not to take part in the Remembrance Day commemoration ahead of their league game against Oxford United.
As both sets of players stood together on the half-way line, the Kilbarrack man distanced himself from his teammates, while tributes were being paid to the soldiers who had died.
'Killian Phillips Stands Apart From Teammates During Remembrance Day Ceremony'
This has earned a lot of reactionhttps://t.co/fz7MjgvJjT— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) November 1, 2023
Many Oxford and Wycombe fans were quick to take to social media to hit out at Phillips, who previously played for Drogheda United.
The sentiment was similar to the abuse James McClean has received down the years for refusing to wear the poppy and Phillips will need thick skin if it is to continue.
Despite the negativity that came his way in the last week he was clearly able to not let it affect him too much as he played a vital role in his side's cup victory yesterday afternoon against Bradford.
Phillips scored his first goal for the club after less than twenty minutes of the knockout tie to put Wycombe ahead.
KILLIAN!
🐔 0-1🪑 pic.twitter.com/KYg4j8bgHW— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) November 4, 2023
They would ultimately secure a 2-1 victory, despite Bradford throwing everything at them in the closing stages, to advance to the next round.
After the game, Phillips took to Instagram express his delight:
"Buzzing to get off the mark for this season," he wrote.
"Deadly last couple of weeks, need to keep pushing on. Loving my time at Wycombe Wanderers. That goal is for you ma, happy early birthday."
Wycombe boss sings praises of Killian Phillips
Wycombe manager Matt Bloomfield was full of praise for Phillips after the game:
📺 Matt Bloomfield reacts to our first round win! pic.twitter.com/qk7ZGWZkyZ
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) November 4, 2023
"It's about time for KP, he's been due one," Bloomfield said.
"His performance levels have been really high recently, he's been unfortunate on a couple of occasions.
"I think Killian has been top over these last two weeks. His energy, the amount he puts into the game, his quality in forward areas, the amount of times he's enabled us to press and be on the front foot...so fair play to him.
"He's a real top lad. We're so pleased to have him.
"I'm really proud of how he conducts himself and carries himself...I'm chuffed for him."
Wycombe will find out their opponents for the second round of the competition later today.
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