Sunderland striker Kevin Philips has vowed to play through the pain barrier in a bid to help Sunderland maintain their Premiership status.

Philips is currently playing with a hamstring injury, but with the Black Cats needing goals and more importantly points to survive, Peter Reid has so far decided to risk making the injury worse by playing Philips.

Philips yesterday revealed that the only way the injury will heel is through rest, though he is prepared to play on until Sunderland are assured of their status.

Philips may have to wait a little longer for his rest given the Black Cats entertain Liverpool next, but the hitman I is likely to play on.

Philips' decision almost certainly means the striker now knows himself that he is not going to the World Cup with England. Playing more games is likely to make the injury worse meaning Philips would not be fit for the World Cup anyway, and so he has put Sunderland first.