Grigg can be Cats hero says Phillips

KEVIN Phillips has backed Will Grigg to find form and fire Sunderland to promotion this season, becoming a Black Cats hero like himself in the process.

Having scored 130 goals for Sunderland during his own time on Wearside, Phillips knows only too well the adoration of supporters that comes with that.

And despite Grigg’s misfiring start to life at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday against Blackpool, Phillips still has full faith in the Northern Irish international.

Phillips said: “Losing the top goalscorer Josh Maja was a big blow but they’ve managed to bring Will Grigg in who, certainly at League One level, is a very good player.

“Once he gets going I believe he will score the goals that will get them promoted.

“He’s just got to score as many as he can and he will make himself a hero.

“He’s got a big job to do and a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

“But I’ve watched him over the years and at a few clubs I’ve been at we’ve talked about maybe bringing him in.

“He’s got energy, he knows where the back of the net is and he’s a real handful. I’m confident he will get chances at Sunderland to score plenty too.

“I’ve no worries that he will eventually start scoring goals, the big thing is just getting that first goal. You just need that weight off your shoulders.

“I’d love to see him do it on Friday while I am there. That would be fantastic.”

Having left Stoke City’s coaching team last month, Phillips will indeed be back at the Stadium of Light on Friday evening for the home clash with Accrington Stanley.

Phillips is currently out of work and enjoying some down time.

But he’s aware of the danger of staying out of the game for too long. Perhaps he could join Jack Ross’ backroom team as a striker’s coach?

“I think they’re doing a pretty good job, so best to leave them to it! I certainly wish them all the best and will be rooting for them,” he said.

“It’s the first break I’ve had for 26 years.

“It was a blow to lose my job at Stoke, but after being out of it for three or four weeks I’ve enjoyed just being able to relax and not have any pressure on myself.”