Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish admits Kevin Phillips wants to be playing in the Premier League at 40.
Phillips, 37, struck in Birmingham's victory over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Eck said: "He just wants to play football and feels he's still got it. He's comparing himself to people who reached the age of 40 and continued to play in the Premier League such as Gordon Strachan and Teddy Sheringham.
"I hope and believe he can get us the goals to stay in the Premier League. I've seen him on the TV too. What's he like as a pundit? Not bad!"
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