Sunderland play down Phillips' fears

Sunderland boss Peter Reid has played down fears over Kevin Phillips’ latest injury scare, claiming the star striker could be fit to play tomorrow.

The striker was stretchered off after just six minutes of last night’s 1-0 defeat to Seville following a clash of heads.

He had five stitches in a head wound but worries over concussion were dispelled and Reid is hopeful Phillips can feature in the friendly against Algeciras.

"Kevin has had stitches in the back of his head and has just been unfortunate recently with a number of niggling little injuries," said Reid.

"None of them are related to the problem he had last season - it was a good clout and I think he has had five stitches.

"Apart from Kevin coming off we had a couple of little niggles but, at this moment in time, I think everyone will be all right for the start of the season if they come through Saturday.

"I’m hoping Kevin will play but if there is any risk we will leave him out. The boy himself is desperate to play because he has had a stop-start kind of summer. He has done all the basic fitness work but it is just getting matches," Reid told the club’s website, www.safc.com.