IT HAS been a big week for Adam Phillips who announced he and his partner are expecting a baby girl, then played his 100th game for Barnsley at Old Trafford.

The midfielder, who joined in 2022, has 26 goals and 16 assists in his century of games which was brought up in difficult circumstances on Tuesday as the Reds lost 7-0 at Manchester United in the EFL Cup. Speaking before the game, Phillips told the Chronicle: “It’s nice to reach 100 games for the club. I love playing here and enjoy it every time I step out on the pitch for Barnsley.

“I am happy that I have kept fit and played a lot of games, you want to be on the pitch every time. I am doing well this season and I feel like I have done well the last two seasons as well. I just want to keep fit and keep going. I have got a lot more experience since being at Barnsley, I’ve played under a couple of managers and you learn different things. I have been enjoying my football, being happy and being on the pitch.”

Phillips, 26, had announced the pregnancy earlier in the week.

He said: “We’re delighted. We have a little girl on the way in February.

“We had a gender reveal on Sunday with family and friends. Then Old Trafford so it’s been a big week.”

Several of Phillips’ current and former Reds team-mates have become fathers in recent seasons, often waiting for a phonecall if on a long away trip.

“It’s a weird one in football. You are always in. Luca (Connell) has just had a baby. Physios are just waiting for that phonecall during a game. I am looking forward to it and really happy.”