Latics line up Jamaican

ATHLETIC are lining up Jamaican international Demar Phillips for a long-term loan deal.

The left-sided player has arrived at Boundary Park on two weeks’ trial with a view to joining for the whole of next season.

Phillips (24) is available from Premier League club Stoke City, for whom he signed last year after leaving Waterhouse in Jamaica.

He cost the Potters a “significant” fee but is expected to figure in Athletic’s friendly games away to Grimsby and at home to Derby.

Athletic boss John Sheridan said: “He has played about 30 times for Jamaica and also in the first team at Stoke, so we’ll have a good look at him.

“He’s quick and I’ve been looking for left-sided players, so hopefully he will do well.”