Palace promotion hero Phillips inks new deal

Crystal Palace striker Kevin Phillips has been rewarded with a new contract after the veteran's play-off final heroics propelled his team into the Premier League. Palace are back in the English top-flight for the first time in eight years thanks to Phillips, who kept his cool to score a penalty in stoppage-time that clinched victory over Watford in the Championship play-off final. The former Sunderland star insisted after his Wembley winner that he wanted one more crack at the Premier League and Palace responded on Saturday by handing him a new one-year contract just five days before he turns 40. Former English international Phillips was on loan at Palace from Blackpool last term, but the move to Selhurst Park has now been made permanent. He is set to become just the third outfield player to have played in the Premier League at 40, following Teddy Sheringham and Gordon Strachan. "I am absolutely delighted, I loved my time here at the end of last season and was always hoping to have another chance to play in the top flight," Phillips told the club's official website. "It's unbelievable for me but I am really looking forward to it and hoping I can play a great part in the season ahead. Everyone I spoke to said to keep going as long as the fitness and hunger is there and that is certainly the case with me." From : FIFA