The former England marksman, 35, came off the bench to net a superb 93rd-minute winner against Sheffield United at the weekend, something he did on more than one occasion for previous club West Brom last season.

But while accepting his body will not let him play in all 46 league games this term, he is quick to signal his determination to nail down a spot in Alex McLeish's starting XI.

"I don't really want to get that super sub tag," Phillips told the club's official website. "Yes I came off the bench a few times last season for West Brom and scored but I'd much rather be starting games.

"But I'm not daft. The manager has got five superb centre forwards here who will all be fighting for two places. I accept that I'm not going to play every game. I can't play every game - my body probably won't let me do that.

"When called upon, it's up to me to show the manager that I deserve a start and there is no better way than by scoring on my debut."