ENGLAND striker Kevin Phillips will be chasing his 50th goal in just over two seasons in the Premiership when Sunderland face newcomers Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow night.

The 28-year-old star, who won Europe's Golden Slipper award for his 30 Premiership strikes in season 1999/2000, grabbed 18 League and Cup goals last season and hit the match-winner in Saturday's curtain-raiser against Ipswich.

Phillips, who feels he is benefiting from a full pre-season build-up after missing the previous summer's preparations, has again set himself a target of 20 goals and is dying to reach his half-century.

He said: "I feel sharp and strong and if I steer clear of injuries there is no reason why I can't score goals and reach my target.

"It was nice to get on the score sheet against Ipswich and now we go into the Fulham game full of confidence."

The little striker, who is determined to win back his place in the England squad, admitted: "At times it was a bit rough for me last season but I still scored 18 goals - I have got 49 in just over two seasons in the Premiership so it would be good to reach the 50 mark this week."

Phillips believes his new partnership with £3.6m French international Lilian Laslandes will get better with time.

"This is a settling in period for us," he said. "We showed at times that it hasn't taken long for us to settle but we will get better as time goes on.

"Lilian is a quality player - I would say you have to be to play for France."

Phillips relishes the prospect of facing Fulham, who gave champions Manchester United a fright before going down 3-2, and then the visit to Newcastle on Sunday.

He said: "It is a big week for us - we got the start we wanted and now we have to build on it."

And he sounded a warning when he added: "I feel fit and sharp after a good pre-season and I am raring to go."

Sunderland will take a full-strength squad to Fulham, including Scottish international Don Hutchison, who missed the opening game through suspension.

The 30-year-old Tynesider has hinted he might be tempted to leave Wearside, despite having three years to run on his contract, and West Ham United could make a move this week.

But the Londoners could face a battle with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers for the goalscoring link-man, with Ibrox chairman David Murray confirming yesterday: "We have made an inquiry about Don Hutchison's situation and have asked to be kept informed."

Hutchison has knocked down suggestions that his wife's desire to return to London was the reason for him reconsidering his future.

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