Killian Phillips
Irish centre-midfielder Killian Phillips joined Palace in January 2022 from League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United.
Irish centre-midfielder Killian Phillips joined Palace in January 2022 from League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United.
The midfielder signed a two-year contract to join Paddy McCarthy’s Under-23s.
Phillips, who can also play in defence, made 31 senior appearances with Drogheda after making his competitive senior debut in April 2021.
He broke through at Drogheda after coming through the ranks to play in the first-team in summer 2020, but had to be patient before making his competitive start.
After joining the Eagles in January 2022, he made 10 appearances in the Premier League 2 Division 1, scoring once. His performances helped Paddy McCarthy's side secure a fifth place finish and in turn earned him a place in the 2022/23 pre-season squad which went on tour to Australia and Singapore.
The Irishman made his professional debut for the Eagles in a 2-0 victory over Oxford United in the Carabao Cup in August 2022 and managed to feature on the bench against Newcastle United in the following round. He was also named as a substitute in two Premier League fixtures against Everton and Brentford.
Phillips' performances in the first half of 22/23 saw him earn a loan move to League One Shrewsbury Town in January 2023. His performances on debut in a 1-2 defeat to Sunderland saw him earn a round of applause from his new teammates and resounding praise from manager Steve Cotterill.
The midfielder made a lasting impression in Shropshire as he was won Shrewsbury's Young Player of the Season award for his half-season loan spell. He netted three times and registered two assists in 19 appearances for Salop.
He returned to south London at the end of Shrewsbury's League One campaign to feature for the U21s in the Premier League International Cup final against PSV Eindhoven. Shortly after the end of the 22/23 season, he signed a contract extension to stay in Palace colours.
Phillips signed a new deal in 2023/24 and moved to Wycombe Wanderers at the start of the campaign. He made 30 appearances and scored twice for the Chairboys before then moving to Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen on loan in January 2024.