KEVIN Phillips made it eight goals in ten games - but refused to discuss the possibility of an England recall.

England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is currently short of goal-scoring options and many good judges believe he could do a lot worse than take a closer look at the in-form 30-year-old.

Phillips' all-round game has been outstanding throughout the season and he produced another true thoroughbred's performance in Saints' 4-1 win over Wolves on Grand National afternoon.

"The goals have been coming since Christmas," he said.

"I'm pleased with the way I'm playing. The team is playing well. It is creating chances.

"You can't do it all on your own and we played well. I thought the first 45 minutes were brilliant. I think throughout the game we never looked like losing.

"I think to win 4-1 away from home, no matter who you are playing, is a great result."

Phillips revealed that the poor display at Fratton Park a fortnight ago was talked about in the dressing room prior to the game.

"The Portsmouth game got mentioned in the team talk, but we came here with a plan," he said.

"It worked. The manager has come in, he has stamped his authority. It has paid off and it has been enjoyable.

"When a manager comes in it is a clean slate and everyone is fighting for their place.

"I thought we were excellent. We were under pressure for about 15 minutes and it was vital to get that third goal to kill them off."

Phillips' double came late in the game when, in the space of just a couple of minutes, he latched on to through-balls and clinically dispatched left-foot finishes either side of Paul Jones.

But the Saints hitman admitted disappointment at missing his best chance when Fabrice Fernandes sent him clear in the first half.

He said: "I don't think they were tap-ins. The easiest one I missed was in the first half as it took a bobble, I'm more disappointed with that.

"Two left-footers - so I'm delighted. But as critical as I am about myself, I'm disappointed not to be going away with a hat-trick, but I'll take two any game."

Phillips, whose Sunderland team finished bottom last season, said he sympathised with the desperate situation Wolves find themselves in.

He added: "I was in a similar situation as Wolves last year, they are scrapping for their lives.

"We knew if we got an early goal then hopefully it would make the game a bit easier.

"But all credit to them, they are battling for their lives out there.

"Alex Rae and Paul Ince typify their team, they battle and battle and battle.

"I fear they need to win maybe six out of seven and I feel for them. It is tough, it's mentally destroying, but I'm sure Dave Jones will pick them up and keep battling until the end of the season."