Club News

EXCLUSIVE: Matt's Hawthorns hopes

Phillips targets 'goals and assists'

MATT Phillips hopes to win the backing of The Hawthorns with the "pace and power" he is planning to bring to the Baggies.

The 25-year-old, a target of Albion interest since last summer, is the first new signing of the summer and brings into the camp a versatile skill-set which finds him comfortable on both flanks and as a central striker.

It was exactly that kind of football Phillips delivered on his last visit to The Hawthorns 14 months ago when he starred in a 4-1 defeat of the Baggies as QPR were fighting against relegation. 
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"My game is about pace and power and strength, looking to take people on, getting shots off and getting crosses in," said Phillips.

"Assists and goals - that's what I will be counting on. I want to get my place in the starting X1 and build from there. But I'm not the finished article by any means. I'm 25 and I still feel I can bring more to my game."

Phillips, a Scottish full international after playing in the finals of World Cup and European Championships for England youth teams, was unperturbed by the gruelling start to his Albion career which will unfold in Austria.

"One or two of the lads have warned me about it - but it's pre-season and you expect it to be tough," he said.

"But I have spoken to Darren Fletcher and Sandro about coming here and they had nothing but good to say about the club.

"My last game here was when QPR were fighting for our lives to stay in the Premier League. But it seemed a great stadium with a great atmosphere and I can't wait to get out in front of the fans and show them what I can do.

"There's been a lot of speculation about this move so it is nice to get it signed off. Now I can't wait to get started."