MATT Phillips has been working with former Oxford United winger Rob Hall this summer, as he looks to prove that age is just a number.

The 33-year-old winger joined the U’s on a free transfer after leaving West Bromwich Albion following eight years at the club.

Phillips boasts an impressive CV, and in total during his club career, he has scored 77 goals in 545 matches, including 12 strikes and 23 assists in 142 Premier League appearances.

During his final season with West Brom, he scored three times in 26 Sky Bet Championship appearances, and he’s now excited for the challenge that awaits at United.

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“Throughout any footballer’s career, you have things to prove, not necessarily to people, but yourself,” said Phillips.

“If people are writing the club or myself off, let’s go out there and prove them all wrong.

“There’s a lot of ability in the group. They’re coming from a successful season last season, and we can really build on that this year.

“Let’s give it our best and give it 100 per cent when we go out there, and see where it takes us.

“There are a lot of good teams, with good players within those teams, and it’s up to us to test ourselves against them, and go and have a successful season.

“We’re going to face different tactics week in and week out, so it’ll be a test, but I’m sure one everyone’s looking forward to.”

Aylesbury-born Phillips came through the academy at Wycombe Wanderers, where he scored nine goals in 87 games.

His release from West Brom left him without a club to train at, but he kept himself in shape with fellow Aylesbury-born friend Hall.

Phillips said: “I’m probably a little bit short of exposure in match situations. In terms of fitness, I’ve been working hard throughout the summer.

“I’ve been working with Rob for the last three or four weeks, doing some one-on-one stuff, and whatever I can to keep myself as good a condition as possible.

“I’ve continued to work hard, to try and get as close to fitness as I can. I feel like I’m in a good place, and I know myself and how I work.”

Phillips has played as a wing back, in central midfield, and as a centre forward during his career, but U’s head coach Des Buckingham firmly regards the player as a right-sided winger.

“It’s a good thing that I can fill in different positions, and I’m here to play wherever the manager wants, and I look forward to doing that,” said Phillips.

“I’ve seen so far in the video analysis that we’ve done, it gives a lot of freedom to the wide players and attacking players.

“That’s what I like. It doesn’t matter what position I’m in, I’ll give my best and I’ll look to bring whatever I can to the team.”