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Birmingham City striker Kevin Phillips to remain an 'impact player' - Alex McLeish
Veteran striker better suited to role of a super sub...
9 Feb 2010 16:46:00
By Adithya Ananth
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has admitted that he sees striker Kevin Phillips as an "impact player" as opposed to a regular starter for the club.
The 36-year-old forward came off the bench and bagged a brace as Brum came from behind to register a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, and afterwards revealed his frustration at not getting more starting opportunities.
But McLeish insists that the veteran is better suited to playing a fringe role for his side.
"Kevin's confidence will be sky-high after his contribution at the weekend but I spoke to Kevin at the beginning of the season about how I saw his role," said McLeish, according to Sky Sports.
"I felt he would be better as an impact player for us this season when defences are getting a little bit tired. If we can pin the opposition back in their own box then there is no-one better to have at your disposal.
"I don't know if I would be doing him a favour starting games. You never know, he might start banging in goals from the start of games.
"But my tactical brain and experience tells me he may be more experienced being used as we did at the weekend."
Birmingham travel to West Ham United on Wednesday.
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The 36-year-old forward came off the bench and bagged a brace as Brum came from behind to register a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, and afterwards revealed his frustration at not getting more starting opportunities.
But McLeish insists that the veteran is better suited to playing a fringe role for his side.
"Kevin's confidence will be sky-high after his contribution at the weekend but I spoke to Kevin at the beginning of the season about how I saw his role," said McLeish, according to Sky Sports.
"I felt he would be better as an impact player for us this season when defences are getting a little bit tired. If we can pin the opposition back in their own box then there is no-one better to have at your disposal.
"I don't know if I would be doing him a favour starting games. You never know, he might start banging in goals from the start of games.
"But my tactical brain and experience tells me he may be more experienced being used as we did at the weekend."
Birmingham travel to West Ham United on Wednesday.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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