Rakeem Harper scored his first West Bromwich Albion goal at the weekend.
Harper started West Brom’s last match against Rotherham United, with the more experienced Phillips left on the bench.
And the youngster repaid his manager’s faith by scoring Albion’s winner in their 2-1 victory over Rotherham United.
Harper’s goal was his very first for West Brom, and the academy graduate says that Phillips has been telling him to shoot more often.
“I’ve been hitting the bar in recent weeks and Matt Phillips keeps saying to me ‘keep trying, keep shooting’ and it came off,” Harper said.
“The ball dropped down and I just thought ‘why not take a shot like I have been recently’. I caught it sweet and the keeper couldn’t save it.
“It was one of those when you look up and think ‘yes that is going in’ and you get ready celebrate. It was a special moment.”
Phillips can be one of the most dangerous attackers in the Championship, so he is a great player for Harper to learn from.
Phillips has scored five goals and claimed six assists for West Brom so far this season.
Harper will now be hoping his goal is enough to help him keep his place in Jimmy Shan’s line-up at the Hawthorns.
West Brom are set to play in the play offs, where they look set to face Aston Villa in the semi-final.
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