Source: Team_Talk
Phillips eyes Baggies return
irmingham striker Kevin Phillips is hoping to be back in the thoughts of manager Alex McLeish in time for the Midlands derby with West Brom.[LNB] Veteran Phillips has been nursing a thigh injury he sustained during the Blues' pre-season friendly against Real Mallorca, leaving him frustrated on the sidelines.[LNB]But the 37-year-old is nearing a return to full fitness and could be in contention to take on the Baggies at the Hawthorns on 18 September.[LNB]Phillips says the weekend clash against Liverpool will come too soon for him, however he hopes a week of training will give boss McLeish a selection headache.[LNB]Phillips told the Birmingham Mail: "The injury is fine. I'm not getting any more pain or symptoms. [LNB]"It's just now trying to catch up on fitness, trying to tick all the boxes with the medical staff.[LNB]"We're not far away. I'd say if you're going to ask me when I will be ready, Liverpool on Sunday is probably a bit too soon.[LNB]"I will need at least a week's training with the lads. So I'm hoping to be involved in some capacity in the West Brom game."[LNB]Phillips arrived at St Andrews in 2008 to help City back into the Premier League, and he has since gone on to net his 250th career goal in a blue shirt.[LNB]McLeish offered the front man a year contract extension over the summer to keep him on the Midlanders' books until next summer.[LNB]Phillips says he will still be playing by that time, insisting his age hadn't hindered his fitness.[LNB]The former Sunderland man doesn't know whether he'll be offered an extension by the club, however he is certain he will still be plying his trade - dismissing suggestions he would hang up his boots.[LNB]"I will definitely still be playing, I'm sure of it," added Phillips.[LNB]"Whether it's still at Birmingham, who knows. But retirement, no, I haven't thought about that at all.[LNB]"I have still got plenty to offer. At the moment this has probably made me more hungry now, sitting out for a month. [LNB]"It is doing my head in. I can't wait to get back training. I feel I haven't started. I am nearly ready and raring to go, hopefully the club will see a benefit from that."
