Phillips sets sights on first game

SUNDERLAND striker Kevin Phillips has vowed to be fit for the start of the new Premiership season even if he has to kick his heels for a few more days.

The 28-year-old England international is back in training after undergoing surgery on a troublesome groin injury at the end of the last campaign.

He is unlikely to figure in his side’s opening friendly against Amiens at their Le Touquet training camp in France of Saturday, and it may be that he leaves it a little longer yet before he puts his body to the test once again.