Duo on the same wavelength

Danny Philliskirk

DANNY Philliskirk says similarities in style have helped form the understanding which saw him and team-mate Daniel Johnson combine to great effect at Rochdale.

Both of Johnson’s strikes at Spotland came as a result of passes from Philliskirk -, who also went down to win the penalty fired home by Jonathan Forte.

Up against Doncaster tomorrow, last season’s top scorer, who has five goals this season so far, hopes to rekindle a link between two technically-gifted players.

“He’s better at driving with the ball, but we are quite similar in a way,” said Philliskirk of his on-loan Aston Villa team-mate.

“When you are playing with people you feel are good technically and who you have a good understanding with, you always look for each other. We have got that good understanding on the pitch, and it helps.”

Philliskirk admitted Athletic weren’t quite at their sharpest against Rochdale: “Even when we don’t play well we still seem to be getting results,” he added. “Sheffield United was a tough game but we still managed to grind out a point.

“There’s a good togetherness and a good spirit. We all work for each other, hunt in packs round the pitch and know each other’s games. It helps massively.”