Danny back on song

CONFIDENCE RESTORED . . . Danny Philliskirk has looked sharp in recent matches for Athletic.

DANNY Philliskirk is back among the goals - and Athletic boss Lee Johnson is once again backing the former Chelsea youngster to be a hit a higher level of the game.

Philliskirk (23) was Athletic’s leading scorer last season with 12 goals, but a stuttering start to this campaign meant it was September 27 before he scored, taking two in the 3-2 victory over Scunthorpe United.

He scored a cracker in the midweek Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash against Barnsley, and Johnson is delighted with his talented young hitman.

The Athletic boss said: “I know what young lads are like and they get upset when they’re not scoring, but it’s been good for him to get these goals. I’ve been pleased for him. His general play is very good.

“He was unlucky not to get a couple more goals on Tuesday, but I’m happy because he is a real technical player and his all-round game is good.

“He’s getting that edge back into his game and you can see his pedigree, and that’s why I believe he is a Championship level player at least. Hopefully he’ll get to that level with us. We’ll see.”