IT’S all been very stop-start on the international front for Matt Phillips. In five years, the West Bromwich Albion winger has made just four outings for Scotland. Paw Broon has probably accumulated more caps in that time.
Phillips’ national service didn’t get off to the best of starts, of course. A 5-1 defeat to the USA in a friendly in 2012 was hardly a memorable way to mark a debut.
“To lose the way we did on my first start was pretty disappointing and, for me, it came after the Championship play-off defeat [with Blackpool] as well,” reflected Phillips, who has now been joined at West Brom by his Scotland team-mate, Oliver Burke.
“That’s a long time ago now, though, and it’s time I got on a run and got myself into the international scene more regularly.”
Injuries and a loss of form at the wrong time have hindered those ambitions. Another niggle cost him the opportunity to be part of the squad that came within a whisker of beating old foes England, the land of Phillips’ birth, in June.
“It was a massive game and I wasn’t that far away from getting into that,” he said. “But I wasn’t ready. I haven’t done anything really with the national side, just a couple of appearances here and there. The last thing I wanted to do was come up here for the England game half fit and let everyone down.
“Now I’m fit and I’m feeling good. The boys have done well and it’s up to me to provide competition and show what I can do.”
Scotland always seem to be involved in must-win matches due to earlier failures and falters in this World Cup qualifying campaign.
The forthcoming encounters with Lithuania and Malta are two such tussles and six points by the end of them is an absolute must in order to keep the candle of hope flickering for a wee bit longer.
“The boys did really well against England and made everyone proud,” said Phillips. “We have to take that into the next two games and hopefully get the points we need.”
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