Killian Phillips ready to bounce back from toughest time

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Killian Phillips is keen to bounce back from his toughest experience in football after returning to Scotland to sign for St Mirren.

The 22-year-old midfielder, on loan at Aberdeen earlier this year, joined the Buddies on Wednesday on a season-long loan deal from Crystal Palace that includes an obligation to buy next summer.

Phillips is contracted to Saints until the summer of 2026, with the club holding an option to extend for a further year.

In the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park last season, Phillips saw his spot-kick saved by Joe Hart to give Celtic a 6-5 win over Aberdeen in the penalty shoot-out after the teams had drawn 3-3 after extra-time.

Phillips, who started his career with Drogheda United, had "a few" offers for his services but opted for Stephen Robinson's side, who, coincidentally, play Celtic in the William Hill Premiership in Paisley on Sunday.

"It was tough," he said, looking back at his last tussle with the Hoops.

"It was probably the worst I ever felt on a football pitch but the type of person I am, it is sore in the morning but after that you can’t really dwell on stuff like that.

"I took a penalty in a shoot-out back home and missed that as well.

"The best way is to move on. The world keeps spinning no matter what.

"It was tough at the time and it stung for a couple of days but you have to move on.

"No one wants to miss but at the end of the day someone has to miss and if there is another penalty shoot-out I will put my hand up to take another penalty."

After loan spells at Aberdeen, Shrewsbury and Wycombe Phillips – who is Saints’ ninth summer signing – is looking to make the Paisley club his home.

He said: "When you are Irish and coming across the