Boost for Blues as Kevin Phillips eyes return

Kevin Phillips today gave Birmingham a boost when he declared he will be fit in two weeks.

The former Albion and Villa hitman missed the start of the season with a pulled thigh.

But, although the 37-year-old has missed the opening games against his former club Sunderland and Blackburn, he is well down the road to recovery.

And he should be in contention for the clash against Liverpool on September 11.

"I'm only a couple of weeks away," said Phillips today. "With the international break coming up, that's a bit of relief for me because by the time I come back, I'll be fit having only missed three League games.

"It's unfortunate it happened at this stage of the season, but I'm a pretty quick healer and I'll be back in a couple of weeks."

Phillips wants to be involved all the time, but admits he is resigned to no longer being a regular starter.

"I'm not daft — of course I want to start more games than last season, but I'm not stupid and I know I can't start every game," he said.

"I still get frustrated because I still believe I can play every game — whether my body will allow me to is another thing.

"But the days have gone where I'm knocking on the gaffer's door saying I want to play.

"He's got some great strikers at the club but when I get my chance, I need to take it. I did that a few times last season and I need to do it again."

Instead Phillips has an additional role — striking mentor to Blues' other forwards. "One of the things the gaffer wants me to do this season is talk to the strikers and try to help them and that's what I'll be trying to do," he said.