Philli fit and firing

Danny Philliskirk

AFTER marking his manager’s card with a goal this week at Blackburn, Athletic’s Danny Philliskirk is ready to hit the ground running in 2014-15.

The 23-year-old’s pre-season programme has been hindered by shooting pains in a quad muscle, with a programme of rest needed for the problem to settle.

It meant he missed three friendly outings, potentially pushing last season’s 12-goal top scorer back in the queue for a starting role at Colchester tomorrow.

But his equaliser at Rovers’ training ground helped convince the 23-year-old that he is back to his best.

Whether he is in the first XI or not at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, what is clear from his sharp appearance is that injury aside, Philliskirk has been working hard across the summer.

“I’ve been hitting the gym and I have toned up a bit and am stronger,” said the former Chelsea, Sheffield United and Coventry forward (pictured).

“I felt I was back to my sharpest at Blackburn, so I can’t wait for the season to start now.”

Athletic full-back Connor Brown was Philliskirk’s training partner as the pair did extra work in the facilities close to home at the Village Hotel in Ashton.

Accepting that he wasn’t at his best as the last campaign drew to a close, being asked to occupy a variety of roles in the side, the Oldham-born son of academy boss Tony Philliskirk says he is doing everything he can to improve himself.

That means a diet of carbohydrate and protein shakes and eating the right foods to aid recovery.

“I felt that towards the second half of the season I tailed off a little bit, though I was playing in midfield where I haven’t really played throughout my career,” he added.

“It was my first full season and I definitely needed a break — but not too long a break, as you can lose fitness and you have to keep on top of it.

“From where I was two years ago when I was really struggling in football to now, I have changed quite a few things.

“I saw the rewards of it last season and I don’t want to go back. I am looking to better myself.”

Philliskirk was in the Athletic side which saw off Colchester 1-0 on the last visit there back in April, game six of a 10-match unbeaten run the club carries into the opening day, and sees no reason why that result can’t be replicated tomorrow.

“In the first game of the season every team is at their sharpest, fittest and strongest,” he said.

“Both teams won’t want to lose, but we go on a high and I don’t see why we can’t go there and win.”