Danny has a point to prove at Doncaster

MAN ON A MISSION: Danny Philliskirk would be happy with even the most scrappy of goals.

ATHLETIC forward Danny Philliskirk doesn’t hold on to any bitterness over his failed move to Doncaster, but admits that Saturday would be a great time to break his scoring duck for the season.

The 23 year old came close to a switch to the Keepmoat Stadium last summer. Despite training with Rovers for six weeks, a contract offer failed to materialise and he ended up back at SportsDirect.com Park seven years after departing for Chelsea.

Twelve goals followed in 2013-14 and while he is waiting to find the net this term, Philliskirk has shown signs of getting back to his best.

This week, he has been back out on the training pitch in the afternoon for extra shooting practice with Carl Winchester.

But as Athletic look to be more effective in the opposition's penalty area, he would settle for he or strike partner Jonson Clarke-Harris to produce even the scrappiest of goals to help the team achieve that first win.

“I don’t have any bad words to say about Doncaster from what happened there,” Philliskirk told the Chronicle.

“But if I do play, then naturally I want to go out and prove that they should have signed me. It will be a tough game. They had a good win at Watford this week and will take plenty of confidence from that.

“We just need to get that first win under our belts and move on from there.

“What happens in both boxes is vital and the gaffer and Tommy Wright (assistant manager) have both talked about us taking a lead early — or if that doesn’t happen, then being patient and not rushing things. Keeping a clean sheet is also important, of course.

“Both I and Jonno (Clarke-Harris) just need that goal. I’d settled for one to rebound in off my face at the moment! That little bit of luck could really help us kick on.

“It is better to be missing chances rather than having none created at all. And we did play quite well in the second half at Preston, when we sat down and looked at the match DVD.”

Philliskirk admits to frustration at results to date, with Athletic picking up two points from the opening four Sky Bet League One matches.

“I need to try to be more effective and a bit more positive in my play,” he added.

“But I do feel strong and fit this season. I just need that goal. Whether I play or not at Doncaster is up to the manager, but if so then I will go into it giving my all like I do every time I play.”