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Sheridan impressed by Phillips

21/ 7/2008

LATICS boss John Sheridan was fulsome in his praise of Demar Phillips following last Saturday's 2-1 friendly win at Grimsby Town.

Although JP Kalala and Deane Smalley were the players who found the net, it was Phillips who caught the eye, not least of the travelling supporters.

Stoke City's Jamaican international, on trial at Boundary Park with a view to a possible season-long loan, impressed at Blundell Park with a 67-minute display full of pace, trickery and a willingness to shoot.

Sheridan said: "I was pleased with the way he played. He looked very positive in his game, he looked like a player who can excite people.

"I liked what I saw, he gives you that balance. He only joined us on Friday and he doesn't know the players but I thought he did well."

Should an agreement be struck to keep Phillips at Boundary Park, that would leave Sheridan still looking for a left-back and central midfielder to complete his squad for 2008/09.

The club are still to hear from former Southend United skipper Kevin Maher, while Sheridan also revealed an enquiry for Ryan Bertrand.

The Chelsea youngster spent time on loan at Boundary Park last season before he was farmed out to Norwich City for the remainder of the campaign.

Bertrand made such an impression at Carrow Road that he has gone back there on loan until January 2009.

Sheridan admitted: "We enquired but I think he's on the verge of a game for Chelsea. Because he did well for Norwich City, I think he'll be staying in the Championship.

"I think full-back's a spot we have to look at. I know Kelvin Lomax and Chris Taylor can play there but I've got one or two players in mind. Hopefully I can sort something out."