SUNDERLAND skipper Michael Gray believes that "on fire" Kevin Phillips is ready to resurrect his England career with a glut of goals, writes FRANK JOHNSON.

"Kevin Phillips is an international player and once he gets his first goal for England I'm sure there will be a lot to follow - but he needs a run in the team," said Gray after the 28-year-old striker clinched the points against Ipswich Town with a clinical first-half penalty kick.

But the Man of the Match performance from Phillips on the opening day of the Premiership did not surprise Gray, who has watched his teammate sparkle in the pre-season build up.

Gray said: "Kevin came back two or three weeks early just to get a little bit sharpness and he has been outstanding in our pre-season games.

"He was absolutely fabulous against Ipswich and the whole team performance was magnificent."

"People probably judge Kevin Phillips on his goals but there is a lot more to his game than just scoring goals - that was evident today. He worked ever so hard for the team and was fantastic to watch.

"Kevin Phillips is an international without a doubt. He has the pedigree and he has had a taste of it and is certainly hungry for more."

Gray can see a new determination about Phillips since he was dropped by England coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

He said: "This season he looks to have a extra edge about him - he looked very hungry and could have had more than one goal against Ipswich.

"From a Sunderland point of view I would rather keep him out of the England squad because he looks to be a bit sharper when he is out!

"But he is no different to anyone else - Kevin has ambitions to play for his country and everyone wants to play at the highest level.

"He has started the season very sharply and if he continues like that England can't afford to leave him out of the squad."

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