Phillips Ankle Injury Blow

Looks like Kevin Phillips has been dealt an injury blow after admitting that his ankle problem will have to be 'managed' as it will never fully recover.

The former Sunderland and Southampton striker, who has been plagued with injury problems since his arrival at Villa Park in the summer, is back on the road to recovery having scored three goals in two games for the reserves. Phillips is now pushing for a place in Saturday's FA Cup clash with Port Vale.

The 32-year-old said: 'I can't do any more with the ankle. I've worked hard in training and I've played two reserve games now. The only way to get more match fit now is to get back involved in the first team and hopefully that will be the case this weekend in the FA Cup. There were stages when the ankle wasn't getting better and it's one of those where you wonder when is it going to get better? Is it going to take longer and longer? It's still not 100% and it's one of those I'm going to have to manage from now until the time I retire.'

He also says he has been 'frustrated' as he wants to show the fans what he is made of saying he is 'determined to try to make an impact in the remaining games.'

A hattrick on Saturday against Vale would be a great start Super Kev!