Phillips reveals lucky escape

Returning goal-scoring hero Kevin Phillips has revealed for the first time the full extent of his knee injury which had sidelined him since the home draw against Sheffield Wednesday on November 6^th.

The former England striker capped his return with the Baggies' forth goal against Charlton and could not hide his delight at first-team action for the first time in six weeks after fearing his illustrious career could have been over.

"We kept it quiet but I ruptured part of my cruciate," the 11-goal top scorer said.

"We wanted to see how it went and I've been lucky that I'm one of those players that can carry on with it.

"Normally, it needs an operation and you're out for nine months," Phillips revealed.

"If that had been the case I don't know if I'd have been able to come back from that.

"I'm delighted to have got through the worst of it but there is still a long way to go.

"I still need to keep on top of it - for the rest of my career.

"I've been lucky, and at my age, my fitness is key from now until the end of my career.

"Saturday gave me masses of confidence, though.