Kevin Phillips is glad to be going to Manchester United for the first game of the season.

Whilst just about everybody is expecting Birmingham City to receive something of a battering at Old Trafford, Phillips is glad the Blues begin their return to the Premier League with such a test.

"For me, the first game of the season is a good start for us. I’d rather it be that than Wolverhampton Wanderers at home because the pressure would then be straight on you,” he told the Birmingham Mail.

"We go to Old Trafford and there’s no pressure on us, no-one is going to give us hope in hell’s chance. Newcastle United went there last year and nicked a 1-1 draw, Reading the year before as well.

"It’s a good start for us then we follow it up with two home games. There have been positives to take from the (pre-season) games and we are all looking forward to going to Old Trafford."