DANIEL PHILLIPS admits his St Johnstone debut was a baptism of fire as he was pitched into the Premiership defeat to Rangers.
But the midfielder reckons he is perfectly suited to the Scottish game after taking advice from a handful of former team-mates who have had their own taste of the action north of the border.
Phillips put pen-to-paper on a deal in Perth last week after impressing boss Callum Davidson during a trial following his release from Watford.
His debut for the Saints came quicker than he and his manager expected after he had to take over from Cammy McPherson in the early stages of the 4-0 loss.
Davidson was pleased with a solid showing from his new recruit and Phillips believes he is in the right place at the right time to kick-start his career.
“I know the league and quality of it," Phillips said. “When the chance arose to train with St Johnstone I thought it was definitely something I should come and see for myself and try my best to stay here.
“There were a few people who were at Gillingham last year who have played in Scotland. And a few at Watford as well.
“I spoke to Jo Hungo, Daniel Bachmann and Olly Lee. All of them spoke highly of the league.
“They told me that I would fit in, that it’s a quality league and that if I played well I’d be seen. I definitely think it will suit me.
“There are lots of positives in coming here. The opportunity to step up the ladder and make a name for yourself is one of them.
“That’s exactly what I sad to the gaffer – it was a baptism of fire. But these are the games you want to be involved in.
“The biggest crowd I’d have played in before would have been half that size probably. I really enjoyed it. I felt comfortable.
“The quality was high and so was the pace of the game. I’ll have to adapt to that pace quickly and I’m confident I will."
