PHILL YOUR BOOTS

Buddies & Ireland ace says it's cup final payback time for a clar-who has watched him through thick & thin

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

KILLIAN PHILLIPS can't wait to treat his family and friends to a Hampden Park Cup final against Celtic as a reward for their years standing in "the lashing rain" watching him play as a schoolboy in Kilbarrack.

The Ireland midfielder was one of St Mirren's stars on Saturday as they booked their place in the Scottish League Cup decider against Celtic.

He had his own personal fan club at Hampden at the weekend as the Paisley side thumped Motherwell 4-1 to earn a December 14 showdown against Martin O'Neill's Bhoys.

And Kilbarrack is set to empty out once again when he returns to the famous Glasgow venue for the final.

"My mum was here," he said. "My auntie, Linda, who lives in America, was here as well. My little brother as well. Six of the boys came over as well. It's always special when you have family and stuff like that come over.