Killian Phillips

Killian Phillips (born 30 March 2002) is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for League One club Wycombe Wanderers, on loan from Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Early life

Phillips was born in San Diego on 30 March 2002 and moved to Kilbarrack, Dublin as a child. He began his football career as a youth player with Kilbarrack United before moving to the academy sides of Drogheda United.

Club career

Drogheda United

Having been a non-playing substitute in some matches in 2020, Phillips made his debut for Drogheda United came in a 1–0 loss at home to Shamrock Rovers on 20 April 2021. The first senior goal of Phillips' career came on 8 May 2021, in a 7–0 win away to Waterford at the RSC as the home side fielded their under-19 squad due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the first team squad. On 24 October 2021, Phillips scored the only goal of the game as Drogheda beat Derry City at United Park. He made 31 appearances in all competitions during the 2021 season, scoring two goals.

Crystal Palace

At the end of the season, he had a trial with Crystal Palace and made a permanent move to the Premier League club in January 2022, and spent the rest of the 2021–22 season with the club's under-23 team. In March 2022, he was selected for the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad, but was only involved as a non-playing substitute. He was part of the Crystal Palace first-team squad that travelled to Singapore and Australia before the 2022–23 season and started in the friendly games against Liverpool and Manchester United. Phillips made his senior debut for Crystal Palace on 23 August 2022, starting the Carabao Cup tie against Oxford United.

Shrewsbury Town loan

On 29 December 2022, it was announced that Phillips would join Shrewsbury Town on loan until the end of the season, once the transfer window opened on 1 January 2023. Despite only featuring for half of the season Phillips was awarded the Young Player of the Season for his efforts. His performances for the Shrews were described as "immense" by manager Steve Cotterill.

Wycombe Wanderers loan

On 11 August 2023, it was announced that Phillips had signed a new contract with Crystal Palace and signed for EFL League One club Wycombe Wanderers on a season long loan deal on the same day.

Phillips scored his first league goal for the club in a 2-1 loss against local rivals Reading F.C. on 25 November 2023.

International career

Phillips' first involvement at international came in March 2022, when he captained a Republic of Ireland U20 side to a 1–0 win against the Republic of Ireland Amateur side in a friendly at Whitehall Stadium. His performance earned him a call up to the U21 side for their qualifying fixture away to Sweden U21 the following week. He made his debut for the Republic of Ireland U21 team in a 2–1 friendly win over Iceland U21 at Turners Cross on 26 March 2023. On 21 November 2023, he scored his first goal for his country, opening the scoring in a 2–2 draw at home to Italy U21.

Career statistics

As of match played 28 November 2023