'God knows where he’ll be in a year’s time' - Killian Phillips backs Sinclair Armstrong to reach the top
KING SINNY: Sinclair Armstrong of Republic of Ireland celebrates. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Killian Phillips believes his Republic of Ireland under-21 team-mate Sinclair Armstrong has proved he’s ready to take his game to the next level.
The QPR striker received a standing ovation at Turner’s Cross after scoring in back-to-back European qualifiers against Norway and Italy.
Armstrong also skinned the Italian captain and Serie A regular Lorenzo Pirola, who commanded a €5million transfer fee this summer, to create Phillips’ goal and the Wycombe Wanderers loanee believes ‘Sinny’ could be set for a breakout year.
“You can see how good he is. God knows where he’ll be in a year’s time because he’s unbelievable,” said Phillips after the 2-2 draw.
“He leads the line for us so well. He’s basically set up my goal and they were very good players, a lot of them in Serie A and Serie B, so it’s a credit to him.
“Sinny caused havoc all night. He ran them down the channels, won it back, and cut it across (for the goal).”
While the full-time scuffle was happening between both teams, Phillips was looking the other way trying to pick out his biggest supporter among the 6,157 crowd on Leeside.
“I was looking for my ma, I was,” said the Kilbarrack native.
“She was delighted when I looked over. That goal was for her. She has been standing on Roseglen pitches for years in the lashing rain.
“To score an international goal in front of my ma is very special. I’m even getting a bit emotional speaking about it. I am delighted. It’s so special she was there to see it.”
The goal on his first start originated from Phillips' own hard graft, making a full-blooded tackle to force a goal-kick at the other end.
“I don’t think many people noticed that but it's what I’m there to do is to be a box-to-box midfielder, to cover both boxes. I did that tonight and I’ll keep doing it.
“I felt I probably could have started a few of the other qualifiers but I always stay ready. I always make sure that if I come on, I am ready to go.
“I knew once Jim calls upon me I'm ready to rock and I think I showed that. I'm buzzing.”
That feelgood factor was dimmed by Italy’s 96th-minute equaliser but Phillips believes Ireland remain well-placed at the midway point, sitting one point behind the group leaders.
“I thought we were very good all night. We left everything out there and just fell short at the last few seconds.
“We should’ve walked away with three points but there’s a lot to build on, a lot to look forward to with this group.
“We’re still second in the group so we’ve left ourselves in a good spot.
“They were top seeds in the group so it just shows that we can go toe-to-toe with anyone.
“We have tough places to go, Turkey and Italy away, then Norway at home. There are a lot of big games to play and we fancy ourselves in every single one of them.
“Why not go and qualify for the Euros? That's what we’re going to try and do. We believe it in the dressing room. The fans are starting to believe it.
“We just need to keep pushing and come March we need to be ready to rock.”
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