Tony Philliskirk has reserved big praise for one of the surprise stars of Latics' 2006/07 campaign.

Young right-back Neal Eardley forced his way into the senior set-up with some excellent performances in pre-season after being handed a surprise debut by ex-boss Ronnie Moore on the final day of the 2005/06 campaign.

Eardley, 18, seized his chance with both hands.  He would otherwise have been completing the second year of his scholarship this time around, but some red-hot performances have seen the cultured youngster go on to make 38 first-team appearances so far this season.

With Premiership clubs reportedly sniffing around, he signed a three-year professional contract with the club earlier this year.

He's just the latest talent to roll off the Boundary Park production line, with fellow youth products Chris Hall and Chris Taylor also featuring regularly.

The most famous alumnus in the current squad is of course veteran defender Will Haining, who has risen from the youth setup to skipper the side.

Youth chief Philliskirk has watched Eardley rise through Athletic's Centre of Excellence to star for the youth and then senior outfits, and the ex-striker describes his young ex-charge as a top prospect:

"Neal has always been a very good player", Philliskirk told Latics World.

"He is in fact still eligible for the youth team, so the fact he's stepped up and played nearly every first team game is a testament to him and to the management team for giving the young lads a chance.

"To be fair, Neal's there on merit.  He was outstanding for me in the youth team last season, and there were one or two bigger clubs looking at him even then.

"Ronnie gave Neal his debut last season and Shez has carried that on by including him last summer, and now he's taking his chance and is looking like a very accomplished player.

"He's probably the one who has developed the quickest out of this age group, and hopefully there will be two or three more who follow him."

Eardley - reportedly watched by Wales boss John Toshack with a view to a call-up to the full squad - has displayed many qualities during his breakthrough season but, for Philliskirk, one in particular stands out:

"Neal shows a lot of composure, and playing internationally for Wales under-21's is going to help that, too.

"He was playing for me in the youth team at 15 and playing for Wales under-19's when at under-16 level, so he's used to playing against older players.

"At first team level it's often men against boys, but looking at Neal's play you wouldn't think he was a youngster.

"His final ball needs improvement - and I'm sure he'll work on that - but his passing and crossing are excellent.

"However, it's that composure that sticks out for me."

The full interview with Tony Philliskirk is now available on Latics World.  It's your online season ticket - and it's a bargain!  Click here to find out more.