KEVIN Phillips has set his sights on finishing the season in style at QPR on Sunday (ko 2pm) by firing his way to the top of the Championship scoring chart.

And the 24-goal hotshot believes he would be nearer the 30-mark now had it not been for the knee injury that threatened to end his career in November and left him sidelined for almost six weeks.

He is currently joint-second with Sheffield United's James Beattie in the race for the division's golden boot on 22 goals - just one behind Wolves' Sylvan Ebanks-Blake.

Phillips, who has not scored for the last four games, suffered a frustrating night in front of goal in Monday's 1-1 draw with Southampton and he was glad to see Chris Brunt's 'wand' come to the rescue.

"If anything is disappointing about the season I'm disappointed I'm not head of the league scoring stats," he said.

"Obviously I missed that time out through injury and I haven't scored in the last four games, which I'm really disappointed about.

"Even a couple of goals in those four games would have seen me a couple clear.

"I want to play at QPR and get on the scoresheet.

"It would be a massive bonus for me to finish top goalscorer.

"It seemed like it was going to be one of those nights against Southampton.

"It's been a bit like that in the last few games for me and I haven't been able to get on the scoresheet.

"Overall, we'd have been hard done by if we hadn't got at least a point.

"On chances we created and the way we played the second half we deserved to get a point, if not, all three.

"At one stage it didn't look as if it wasn't going to happen but Brunty's stepped up and used his sweet left foot, which the lads call a 'wand' because of the amazing things he can do with it.

"We're thankful to him for that.

"As soon as he got the ball out of his feet I'd have put my house on it that he'd score.

"It was one of those nights for me but overall we got the job done."

The 34-year-old hitman is just glad he was able to bounce back from such a serious injury and has sympathy for team-mate Filipe Teixeira, whose season was ended by a cruciate knee ligament blow.

But Phillips is confident the Portuguese ace will be a hit in the Premier League next term and believes his return will be like making a new signing.

"Overall I think I missed about nine or ten weeks of the season through injuries - not just my knee," Phillips added.

"It's been frustrating because even though I've scored 24 goals I feel, if I hadn't have missed that amount of time through the season I could have been closer to the 30-mark.

"I'm sure I would have been but I can't grumble because injuries happen and you have to get on with it.

"It just goes to show how things can be going so well and then all of a sudden something like that can rock your season.

"Look at Filipe.

"He was doing fantastic for us, could have been in the running for player of the year and I'm sure he would have been.

"Then he got an injury that left him injured for nine to ten months.

"It can happen so quickly so to come back from a serious knee injury the way I did is really pleasing.

"I think the Premier League will suit Filipe.

"We all know his qualities, how good he is on the ball and how intelligent he is.

"That's what you need in the Premier League.

"I'm sure it will feel to the gaffer like he's got a new signing when he comes back in the summer.

"I'm not sure he'll be fit for the start of the season but he's a nice player to have in your armour." 

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