Conor Hourihane was ‘delighted’ that Adam Phillips ended a 16-game wait for a goal in the 1-1 draw at Wigan on Thursday.

The midfielder produced a fine finish to level midway through the first half after good work by Luca Connell and David McGoldrick.

Phillips had not scored since a penalty in the home win over Reading in September or netted from open play in the league since the opening day at Plymouth. He has been in and out of the starting 11 recently.

Head coach Hourihane told the Chronicle: “Delighted. He always wants numbers, goals and assists. He’s on set plays as well which is another opportunity.

“It was a good finish and a well-worked goal so hopefully that’s a start for him in terms of keeping up good performances.

“They ran with intensity to the ball. In the first half we probably wouldn’t have done that. We got a goal through showing drive, hunger and care.”

Fabio Jalo started a league game for the first time since a serious injury in April but came off at half-time.

Hourihane said: “Fabs probably obviously is not quite fit and sharp enough yet but if we don’t play him in games how does he get fit?

“The 21s haven’t had game over Christmas so we thought this was an opportunity for him to get some minutes.

“It was difficult for him.

“The 21s games get up and running next week and he needs to play in those games to get where we want him to be.”