Kevin Phillips has been assured he has a role at Birmingham City this season.

After firing West Bromwich Albion to the Premier League in the 2007/08 season, the Baggies offloaded the veteran striker after refusing to offer him more than a one-year deal.

Last season Phillips again clinched a return to the top-flight this time with Birmingham, and the 36-year-old has been assured by manager Alex McLeish that he will have a role to play this term.

"I have had my chat with the manager,” Phillips told the Birmingham Mail "I have said all along that I was determined to help this club get in the Premier League and now I intend to enjoy a season in it.

“The manager has assured me that the club do still want me. He wants me to play a part this year. He wants my experience here and I'm happy with that and what he asks.

"I know I will get minutes (on the pitch) this year as it's only natural. There will be injuries, loss of form, so I am going to get my chance and I just need to be patient.

"I hope that I will still be able to score in the Premier League. It's the last 20 minutes when you need a goal and hopefully I can be that player who comes on and gets it."

Phillips has scored goals for Southampton and Aston Villa, but his most successful spell was before that when he hit the back of the net over 100 times during a six-year spell at Sunderland.