Kevin Phillips believes that Birmingham City can beat the drop - and he can get the required goals.

Phillips scored on his first Premier League start of the season to set Blues on their way to a crucial victory over Bolton Wanderers.

The top-flight’s oldest outfield player at the age of 37, Phillips reckons it was proof that he can also play on for at least another year among the elite.

“For my first league goal of the season, it was probably the latest one in my career,” the striker reflected. “And a timely one I suppose.

“I was delighted to start the game. I had an inkling I would, but I wasn’t 100 per cent sure.

“It’s time now - we all know - to score goals. We haven’t scored enough.

“I’d like to think I’d get a little run in the team between now and the end of the season, and I’ll only get fitter and stronger.

“And that just confirmed to me that I can definitely continue playing at this level for another year, without a shadow of a doubt.

“Don’t be putting that out as headlines, that that’s my message.

“At the end of the day it’s personal. I feel happy in myself and I feel that I can still play in the Premier League.

“Yes, I might not run the channels like I used to do, but I like to think I create other problems.

“And, ultimately, I am paid to score goals and I am in the right places at the right time - which showed on Saturday.”

Phillips has now scored four times in as many starts for Blues, with three other goals coming in the Carling and FA Cups.