Philliskirk goes it alone

DANNY Philliskirk is determined to make his own way, after returning to the club that started his football career as an eight year old.

The prospect of spending most of his time close to his mum Lesley and dad - Athletic’s academy manager Tony Philliskirk - isn’t one the 22 year old relishes.

“I couldn’t move back home,” says the forward, who plans to move into an apartment with girlfriend Alex.

His working days at least will be spent in close proximity to his father, who used to be in charge of the club’s youth section - in which Danny impressed enough to earn a four-year deal at Chelsea, six years ago.

He isn’t short on confidence — and four goals in two reserve matches suggest his chance of making a mark in Sky Bet League One is strong.

“I see myself in the number 10 role,” he said. “I want to score goals, to play high up the pitch and make a difference. There are players who have been here for 10 weeks and I have been here for two. I can’t expect to just jump in.

“The strikers are doing well. All I can do is work hard in training, do my best and try to impress the manager and staff.”