Kieran McKenna says Kalvin Phillips ‘growing in confidence’ after Ipswich win
Kieran McKenna says Kalvin Phillips ‘growing in confidence’ after Ipswich win
Share:
Kieran McKenna believes Kalvin Phillips is “making good steps “during his loan at Ipswich after he netted his first goal since December 2023 during Town’s 3-0 FA Cup third-round win over Bristol Rovers at Portman Road. Manchester City loanee Phillips, who has featured just 11 times in the Premier League this season, produced a whipped shot from distance to open the scoring.
Ipswich’s press forced a high turnover, allowing Jack Clarke to add a second in the 24th minute before Jack Taylor grabbed a third. Ali Al-Hamadi had a chance to add a fourth from the spot after the break but scuffed his penalty wide. “I thought he (Phillips) played well. I thought him and Massimo (Luongo) were very good,” McKenna said.
“Kalvin’s in a good position, he’s growing in confidence and rhythm and he showed his quality in midfield. “I think he’s had a really solid first half of the season to be honest. There will always be a different perception of Kalvin because he’s come from Manchester City but he’s a normal person and a very good player who’s trying his best.
“He came in without a pre-season with us, he played a lot at the start, I think eight or nine in a row, and if you compare that with starts he’s had two years before that then it’s quite a lot. “He’s improving, growing in confidence and fitness, understanding of his role and what we ask of him and he’s making good steps and progressing well.”.
