Striker On The Double

Kevin Phillips says his record of 5 goals in 14 games isn't bad.

The former Sunderland and Southampton hot shot, who has had the start of his Villa career ruined by injury and illness, says he is now looking to end the season with double figures.

He told the official site: 'My main aim now has to be staying fit - that's got to be my top objective. If I can finish the season injury-free, I'll be delighted, because it was a terrible start to the campaign for me. It's definitely been disappointing. If I can get into double figures now, for me that would be a successful season. I've scored five in 14 games, which isn't bad at all in my opinion. I played for 20 minutes against Portsmouth too, but I don't consider that 'a game'. I just want a run of games now.'

Shame he wasn't brought on against Manchester City, it was exactly his quality and aggression that the team were needing. In fact, I'd have started him, but certainly wouldn't have chosen Angel over him as a sub, not in such an important cup tie.

Phillips said on his competition for a starting place: 'Milan is a massive threat, because his pace can really hurt teams. Juan is a great link-up player, good in the air and he has proved he can score plenty of goals. Luke's overall game is very good - he holds the ball up well, but he also has exceptional pace.'

He also says of Luke Moore: 'He should be a big name in the Premiership in the coming years.'

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