Phillips proves doubters wrong

Veteran striker shows critics he can 'still do a job' at the top

Last updated: 7th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Birmingham hero Kevin Phillips thinks his two-goal introduction against Wolves was a reflection of his mental strength.

The 36-year-old came off the bench just after the hour at St Andrews and went on to score twice in the final 10 minutes to earn his high-flying side a turnaround 2-1 win against their struggling Midlands rivals.

It was only Phillips' 12th appearance of a season in which he has battled injury and then found places in Alex McLeish's high-flying side hard to come by.

McLeish resisted the temptation to sell in the winter transfer window and assured Phillips of his future and the veteran forward now plans to take full advantage.

He told Sky Sports: "I think I showed I still have a bit left in me. People write you off over 30 but I am 36 now and I think I showed I can still do a job.

Patient

"It is just nice to get on the pitch. I have not had much game time lately.

"I said to myself I would have to be patient this year. I knew I would get my chance.

"You have to be mentally strong. You have to keep believing you will get your chance.

"It is a short career and I know I am not too far away from retiring.

"I want to play for as long as I possibly can at the highest level and moments like today make me want to play for longer."

Click Here for Your Free Bet

Comments (1)

  • Page 1 of 1
  • 1

George Hall (Sunderland fan) says...

The way sportsmen are conditioned these days is very different than in the past although it seems that people still hold old fashioned views. There is no reason for players to be written off if they look after themselves. Good examples being Graham Alexander, Teddy Sheringham and of course Ryan Giggs. Of course time will take its toll and they will lose a yard of pace, but they will make up for this through their intelligance on the field. Im glad to see SuperKev still banging them in and if he is to be sold in the summer i am sure the Black Cats would love him back at the Stadium of Light

Posted 17:34 7th February 2010
  • Page 1 of 1
  • 1

Add Comment*

Send us your views

Are you a Sky Sports subscriber?

*All fields required, your email address will be kept private