Dan Phillips on Stevenage and scoring against Coventry City

He isn't but that didn't stop the grin spreading across the face of Dan Phillips after he put Stevenage ahead in the second minute of their pre-season friendly with Coventry City - and there was a reason for that.

"That's because it's probably the first time I’ve scored a goal in about three years, whether that's pre-season, a competitive game or even in training," he said with the grin firmly back across his visage.

"Yeah, there was definitely a lot of joy and goals is something I want to add to my game. 

"In pre-season, you want to get momentum going early so I’m really happy with that." 

Dan Phillips scores for Stevenage against Coventry City. Picture: TGS PHOTO (Image: David Loveday/TGS Photo)

Playing higher up the pitch helped too.

Considered by many to be a defensive cog in the midfield, the 23-year-old was given a position closer to striker Louis Appere.

And his early strike, sent fizzing low across the turf from the edge of the area, could tempt manager Alex Revell into playing him there more often.

He said: "I'm definitely capable of playing there. Over the past two years, I've played primarily at the base, a holding midfielder. 

"But I have the ability to play higher, the gaffer thinks I came play higher and I'm happy to play anywhere for the team. 

"Just as long as I'm in the squad really." 

The goal was part of a very bright opening by Boro but a penalty conceded on 19 minutes brought the Sky Blues level before they took the lead three minutes later.

A third in the moments before half-time proved to be the final goal of the game and left Coventry 3-1 winners.

"Yeah, it was a disappointing result, " said Phillips, "definitely.

"Even in pre-season, you want to get wins on the board as early as possible. 

"But there's plenty of positive to take from the game, especially a lot of the boys getting a lot of minutes in their legs and playing quite well against tough opposition. 

"I’m happy with what we can take away from the game. 

"We wanted to start with intent, especially being at home, and we came out the traps flying. 

"Sometimes, when you are on top, you really have to take your chances and with one lapse in concentration, they came right back into it." 

Dan Phillips on the ball for Stevenage against Coventry. Picture: TGS PHOTO (Image: David Loveday/TGS Photo)

The summer signing from St Johnstone is beginning to find his feet in his new surroundings, with this performance a real step up in form from the opening two fixtures.

It also helps being closer to home, Phillips originally hailing from Enfield.

He said: "It's been really good, a really seamless transition for me. I've settled in really quickly with the group and the players. 

"It's a hard working group, so I've had to get up to speed really quickly, but I've loved it so far.  

"Off the pitch, there's plenty of benefits to being back home, closer to family and friends. 

"And obviously after a couple of years playing away from home, it's nice to be back around everyone." 

But now he is a Boro man, his goal is to help them achieve the next step in their renaissance.

He said: "I think there's a winning culture here after the last two seasons. They've definitely done really well and the aim isn't to regress, it is to progress. 

"So we're working to keep going, to keep stepping up another level. 

"I think last season was a ninth-placed finish, this season we’d like to be in the play-offs, if not in the top two."