Last updated at 12:06, Wednesday, 06 February 2013

Callum Phillips has vowed to keep his feet planted firmly on the floor after capping a tremendous competitive debut for Workington Town in the 14-10 Championship victory at Swinton Lions on Sunday with a man-of-the-match performance.

Callum Phillips

Former Seaton amateur Phillips, 20, starred at hooker, and the youngster, who only signed for Town in November, was also included in the Championship Team of the Week along with team-mate Jarrad Stack.

“I really enjoyed the game against Swinton although I admit I was a bit nervous before the start,” said Phillips, brother of fellow Town star Brett. “It was a great team performance and I owe a lot to the more experienced players around me who made it a lot easier to focus on my own game. Peter Lupton was a huge help throughout the game. I’ve still got a lot to learn and with the type of players we have playing for Town, that’s not going to be difficult to do.

“I’m a bit stiff at the moment but I’m looking forward to training hard during the week. I was a bit disappointed I didn’t score but I will be hoping to play against Halifax on Sunday. It can’t come soon enough.”

Phillips played half-back with Seaton but was moved to hooker later in his amateur career. And with star hooker Graeme Mattinson still weeks off a return after shoulder surgery, the youngster is hoping to make the most of his chance to shine.

“Graeme’s an excellent player and I’ll be trying my hardest while he’s out. When he returns I hope to learn off him and stay involved in the side even if it’s off the bench,” he said.

Town joint coach Gary Charlton said of Phillips’ performance: “He thoroughly deserved the man-of-the-match award. Callum played and tackled well and had good speed off the mark. He’s got self-confidence and I knew he was a good player when we signed him. Nothing fazes him at this level. He’s still got a lot to learn but has gone out and played two great games for us. But he’s got to be looked after.”

First published at 11:55, Wednesday, 06 February 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk