NIALL Quinn has told Sven-Goran Eriksson: "You should have seen Kevin Phillips three weeks ago!"

Strike partner Phillips put on a wonder show earlier this month when Sunderland did a 4-1 demolition job on Ipswich - their upcoming FA Cup fourth round opponents this weekend.

But the new England coach learnt little he didn't already know about the 27-year-old marksman when he watched Sunday's goalless stalemate with Bradford.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid insists Phillips hasn't blown his international chances and Quinn agreed yesterday.

The Republic of Ireland striker has been a staunch campaigner for Phillips' England recall and he urged Eriksson not to base his judgement on a disappointing 90 minutes against the Premiership's bottom club.

Quinn said: "I feel sorry because the England manager came to watch Kevin and it was probably one of the most difficult games he's ever had to play in.

"Kevin was unbelievable against Ipswich three weeks ago and it's a shame Sven didn't see that match, or one or two of the other games when he has been outstanding this season.

"It's not his fault. It's just one of those things and we've just got to get on with it. But it's a pity."

Stefan Schwarz has no doubts that Phillips fits the bill for England. Sunderland's Swedish midfielder, who played under Eriksson at Benfica, said: "Every coach likes a natural goalscorer and Kevin has a tremendous record."

But after two successive goalless draws at the Stadium of Light it looks as though the Sunderland hitman is missing the service of Argentinian winger Julio Arca, currently away on international duty.

Phillips - who has notched a staggering 104 goals in 144 games for the Wearsiders - has at least two further high profile matches to catch Eriksson's eye before next month's friendly against Spain.

Second-placed Sunderland follow up Saturday's Ipswich cup tie with a top-of-the-table clash against Manchester United next Wednesday. But Arca, who flew out at the start of the month, is likely to be still in South America competing in an Under-20 tournament.

Quinn, meanwhile, believes Sunday's reversal could prove a blessing. He said: "The players are hurting. It's good to be second in the league but we are gutted. I think the anticipation and expectation got to us but there are no excuses.

"In some ways this might make us knuckle down and realise it's not all easy in this league. We have two massive games coming up and we have to use it in the right way.

"Things were all bubbly and being knocked back to earth will encourage us to roll up our sleeves." Quinn believes Bradford have a chance of beating the drop despite being five points adrift at the foot of the table.

He said: "When we won down there on Boxing Day they were arguing all the time. But on Sunday they were helping each other out. Jim Jefferies is a very experienced manager and the players are working hard for him. Lads like Andy O'Brien have a big future."

Thomas Sorensen maintained Sunderland's unbeaten home record with a brilliant save from Darlington old boy Robbie Blake.

"We knew we could get some breathing space on Arsenal but it didn't work out like that and we are all disappointed," said the Danish keeper. "Now we've got Ipswich and then Man United. We'd like to claw some points back in that game just to make the title race more exciting."

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