PHILLIPS HINTS AT ENGLAND SELECTION BIAS
The 27-year-old has continually been overlooked when it has come to selecting an England side despite scoring goals for his club side, which saw him win the Golden Boot as Europe's top marksman last season for his 30 Premiership goals.
The former Watford forward is frustrated that he has not been given the chance to show what he can do on the international stage.
He did not get an opportunity to play against Germany last weekend and he was then not even named on the substitute bench for the midweek game in Finland, and he thinks the reason for this is that he is not playing for a glamorous club in England.
"Deep down, you have to start thinking it's your club, not your form, that might be the problem, Phillips told the 'Daily Mail'.
"To not even get a minute against Germany, to not even be asked to be substitute when we needed goals against Finland, leaves you feeling like some sort of outcast, or at least believing that, at international level at least, no-one has faith in me.
"You look at where the majority of England players come from - Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool - and you wonder if the coaches may not rate you because you're not with one of the so-called glamour clubs.
"Don't get me wrong. I love Sunderland and I love the fans. Everyone, manager Peter Reid included, has been brilliant to me and I owe him everything.
"But after what I achieved last season, there has to be some explanation as to why I'm not being played in England's competitive games. I know I can score goals for England.
"When you're coming through as a player, you're always told that if you play well enough for your club, then you'll get your chance for your country.
"Yet, for me over the past few months, that hasn't been the case, " said Phillips.
Arsenal and Chelsea are both believed to be big admirers of Phillips and they would be keen on taking the prolific hit man from The Stadium Of Light to London if he felt that he needed to move to fulfil his England ambitions.
