Sunderland's Kevin Phillips has reluctantly sent back his invitation to one of the showpiece occasions of European football.

Phillips was scheduled to be the guest of honour on Sunday at the presentation of the Golden Shoe award for finishing as top scorer in the European leagues.

But the England international's commitments at Sunderland, who fly out for games in Holland on Monday, will prevent him travelling to Germany to pick up the award.

Previous winners include greats such as Eusebio, Gerd Muller, Ian Rush, Marco van Basten and Ronaldo.

"It just didn't seem right when I saw Kevin Phillips next to all those great names," he said yesterday. "I had to look twice because my name just does not look right there.

"It's a fantastic award to win, probably the best I have. You want to be the top goalscorer in every league you play in and to be the best in Europe is unbelievable.

"I'm delighted to have won it and people may ask where I go from here.

Well, it's always my philosophy to look forward so I want to go out and win it again next season."

Phillips was originally named as the joint winner with Ruud van Nistelrooy before a recount made him the outright No.1.

It's likely the presentation will now be made before the opening game against Arsenal when Phillips will also receive the Premiership's Golden Boot after finishing with 30 goals last season.