Peter
Reid has said Kevin Phillips' latest groin injury sustained in Sunderland's
friendly against Royal Antwerp on Wednesday is "not serious".
Phillips,
who was the target of several fierce early challenges from the Belgian
side, limped off after just 29 minutes of the 1-1 draw with what
initially looked like an ankle injury. But Reid later confirmed
it is a groin problem - although he insisted it is neither related
to the injury which was operated on this summer nor a serious problem.
"It is in the groin area but in a different part," said
the Black Cats boss. "He just felt it as he jumped for the
ball.
"We erred on the side of caution by bringing him off. It's
not serious."
Even so, seeing England striker Phillips in another fitness scare
is the last thing Reid needs with the season just over a fortnight
away and fans up in arms over the club's failure to buy big this
summer.
The manager was again booed by a section of Sunderland's travelling
support on Wednesday night and knows a decisive move must be made
in the transfer market to placate the Wearside public.
