St Mirren boss McLeish not panicked by interest in Ireland international Phillips

24-year-old Killian Phillips' two goals in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Falkirk have helped heighten transfer speculation around the Republic of Ireland international.

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and Killian Phillips. Pic: Bryan Keane/Inpho

 By Press Association Reporters St Mirren boss Craig McLeish will not allow himself to worry about the possibility of losing burgeoning midfielder Killian Phillips this summer.

The 24-year-old’s two goals in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Falkirk have helped heighten transfer speculation around the Republic of Ireland international.

McLeish said: “If he keeps playing like that, we know there’s going to be interest. And we know that he’s probably at the stage of his career now that he’s looking for his next step.

“If that comes now, then fine, great for Kilian. And if we get him for the next six months or for this full season, then we’re delighted with that. I can’t sit here and worry about it or get upset about it. We have to make sure that we’ve got plans in place (if he leaves).” 

Former players Stevie Mallan and Dylan Reid are still training with the club but McLeish said he is no closer to signing them or other targets.

He added: “Our squad is quite big at the moment so it’s trying to make sure we make really good decisions (regarding) the last couple we’re trying to get.

“Because our squad is busy, the ones we bring in have to really make a difference to what we’re doing.” McLeish said St Mirren’s “relentless” performance against Falkirk has provided the template for what he expects from his players.

He said: “We’ve had a really good start and the most pleasing bit was a good performance as well.

“That’s the level and the standards they’ve set in terms of their attitude, their effort, and their running. We’re going to be fit and strong and relentless this season, that’s going to be our message.

“We’ll add the football bit to it but we have to be horrible to play against. And that’s everything that I want it to look like in terms of our energy, our effort, our running power.

“It’s good that it’s happened in the first week because now I can hold the players to that.”