Oxford United boss praises Matt Phillips in wing back role
GARY Rowett praised Matt Phillips after the 33-year-old filled in seamlessly as a left wing back during Oxford United’s 1-1 draw at Norwich City.
Phillips replaced Przemyslaw Placheta in the role just after the hour mark, and put in a sturdy display which helped United shut out the Canaries and leave Carrow Road with a hard-earned point.
The wide player had to be switched on defensively, and made two tackles, plus a clearance and an interception.
U’s head coach Rowett said: “Matty is a great professional. He’s so diligent. I know it’s not been an easy start for him in an Oxford shirt, but he’s certainly been really good in training.
“He’s deserved to get on the pitch and get his opportunity. I thought he did really well. It was a gamble playing Shemmy there early on, but I knew that. I knew it would be a gamble defensively.
“If you’re going to play a back five, you’ve got to have big energy down the sides and you’ve got to have an opportunity to try and get out.
“I thought there were some good moments when we got out, but maybe not enough. Matty coming in there I thought looked really comfortable.”
