SUNDERLAND'S Kevin Phillips is officially among the also-rans in the Premiership's current hit-list.

Phillips is on the brink of toppling out of the strikers' top 40, according to the latest statistics from Carling Opta.

The winner of Europe's Golden Boot last season has slid to 40th place in the Opta index after scoring only once from 10 shots this season.

That ratio from the player who scored 30 league goals last season does not compare favourably with England rival Michael Owen's seven goals in 11 attempts so far.

And Phillips' average of two efforts per game is well down on last season's 3.4 when he fired in 122 shots for the Wearsiders - the most in the Premiership.

Sunderland manager Peter Reid is confident Phillips will soon be back among the Premiership's top scorer, while the hit-man accepts he is now a marked man after his exploits last season.

He said: "I'm sure players are asked purely to man-mark and hopefully niggle strikers, not to get them sent off but just put them off their game. It's happened to me and I'll be coming up against players who think they know my game now. I am no longer an unknown quantity and that will make it even tougher for me."

But Phillips believes he can still achieve his aim of 20 Premier League goals this season despite his slow start.

He added: "It has not been the best start for me but I'm not yet match fit. As soon as that comes I'm sure people will see the difference.

"I always set myself a 20-goal target and this season is no different. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Meanwhile, injured goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen insists it is not all doom and gloom at the Stadium of Light - despite the Wearsiders languishing in the Premiership's bottom three. The Danish international, who hopes to return to full training next week, believes victory over fellow strugglers Derby on Saturday will kick start Sunderland's season.

He said: "If we beat Derby it would be the perfect tonic. All we need is something to get us going and this could be the game.

"There's no doubt the Premiership is stronger than ever - West Ham are bottom and have a side full of internationals.

"If you're not at your best and full of confidence you'll struggle, but there's no doubt in my mind that we'll do well."

Defender Cliff Byrne has been named in the Republic of Ireland Under-18s squad for their match against Switzerland on September 19.

Keeper Andy Marriott is having talks with Cardiff chairman Sam Hammam over a £300,000 move to Wales.