Kevin Phillips last night hit back at critics who are questioning his commitment to Sunderland.

Goals have proved more elusive this season for the England striker, who is being linked with moves to Leeds and Arsenal.

Some Sunderland fans have even suggested his body language indicates a desire to be elsewhere, but Phillips rapped: "That's a load of rubbish.

"I'm judged on goals. Because I'm not scoring, people are saying my heart's not in it, but I'm really enjoying playing for Sunderland.

"There's speculation about transfers and I've tried to put it to the back of my mind. It can be unsettling, so I just laugh it off.

"If somebody comes in for me, I will be told. In the meantime, I won't let it worry me."

Phillips hit out after Sunderland clinched a Worthington Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace with his extra-time winner from the penalty spot.

It was the first goal in seven games for Phillips, who has still not scored from open play since September 23.

But his confidence remains intact and he delivered a chilling warning last night to Premiership defenders.

"I feel some team is going be on the end of two or three goals from me and hopefully that will happen in the next couple of games," he said.

"Of course I would like to score a goal from open play, but hopefully this will be the start. I've certainly been feeling good.

"It's been proved this season that players go through barren spells. Look at Les Ferdinand - he wasn't scoring, then went out and hit a hat-trick."

"I've not maintained the great standard I set last season, so I will get knocked, but I still believe I will reach my 20-goal target and that would rank as a satisfying season for any centre-forward."

Sunderland boss Peter Reid is also confident that Tuesday's victory hinted at a return to the goal standard for Phillips - and somebody is destined to pay for his recent run.

Reid said: "Kevin had loads of shots on target - so much so that at one stage we felt it just might not be our night. But he got himself back on the scoresheet and I wouldn't bet against him doing it a few more times in the weeks ahead."

Phillips slotted in his penalty after winning a battle of wits with England team-mate Phil Neville, who advised keeper Raimond Van der Gouw to dive to his right.

Phillips said: "Phil must have clocked me practising penalties with England, so I went the other way for the first time."

It was Phillips' first goal against United, but he said: "I would have felt just as pleased if it had been against a Third Division side.

"I've said from the start of the season that the cup offers us a route into Europe and we have a fantastic chance now."

Reid is waiting for the results of a scan on the knee injury suffered by Emerson Thome in the clash which resulted in a red card for Dwight Yorke.

Chris Makin picked up a leg injury and keeper Thomas Sorensen suffered an eye injury, but could be ready for Monday's game against Everton.

l Keeper Andy Marriott is looking for a new club after deciding to quit Sunderland at the end of the season on a free transfer.

Marriott, who turned down a transfer to Cardiff this season, is Reid's third-choice keeper following the arrival of Jurgen Macho in the summer