Phillips plans to reward O'Leary faith

New Aston Villa striker Kevin Phillips has vowed to reward the faith shown in him by manager David O’Leary with a 20-goal haul next season.

O’Leary today finally captured his man, after failing in the January transfer window to land the 31-year-old, with Phillips signing a two-year contract on a deal believed to be worth around £1m (€1.5m) to Southampton.

The Irishman has made no secret of his desire to add firepower to his shot-shy attack that last season saw Juan Pablo Angel, Darius Vassell and on-loan Carlton Cole muster just 16 goals between them.

After making an instant return to the Premiership, in the wake of the Saints’ relegation to the Coca-Championship, Phillips said: “I’m delighted to be back in the Premiership and to come to such a great club is a good move for me.

“I know the manager has been interested in signing me for some time and when it became clear Villa were still in for me this summer, there was no doubt in my mind. I didn’t want to go anywhere else.

“It’s a boost as a player to know the manager rates you so highly and hopefully I can justify that faith with a few goals here next season.”

The former European Golden Boot winner, told the club website, www.avfc.co.uk: “I’ve never had a problem setting myself targets, wherever I’ve played.

“I always set my sights on 20 goals a season and that has to be the target here next season, although I know I’m not guaranteed a place.

“We have some good strikers: Juan Pablo Angel, Darius Vassell and young Luke Moore. But I’m determined to make my mark and show I can still get goals in the Premiership.”

The former England international becomes O’Leary’s fourth new signing of the summer, following hot on the heels of midfielder Patrik Berger, defender Aaron Hughes and goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.