Phillips in line for Blackpool start

Blackpool boss Ian Holloway could throw teenager Matt Phillips into his starting line-up for their New Year’s Day trip to Manchester City.

Midfielder Elliot Grandin has been ruled out of the trip to Eastlands with a hamstring injury – a problem Holloway puts down to the lack of training and match practice due to the big freeze.

And that could open the door for 19-year-old Phillips, who was signed from Wycombe for just 300,000 pounds at the start of the season.

The winger has started just three games this season, but Holloway rates Phillips highly and says he has a bright future.

“The lad is so good it’s scary,” said Holloway. “I am glad I don’t play anymore because I would not like him running at me.”

“There are aspects of his game he needs to improve on but the world is at his feet.”

Holloway now has his sights set on revenge after City won 3-2 at Bloomfield Road in a controversial game in October.

Television replays showed that two of City’s goals should not have stood, and Holloway admits the game still rankles with him two months on.

“I was bitter about and it still gets me peeved,” said Holloway, “But now we have our chance to get our own back.”

Holloway revealed that striker Marlon Harewood is now back in training, but would not comment on reports Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston is now in talks with the club ahead of the January transfer window.

Kingston left Dutch club Vittesse Arnheim earlier this year and his brother is Blackpool goalkeeper Richard Kingson.