KEVIN Phillips says he would love to get a final crack at the Premier League – with Palace.
At 39 years old, the veteran striker has scored goals wherever he has been and looked very bright after coming on at half-time in last Saturday's 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic.
"At my age, nothing hurts or surprises me anymore," he said.
"I'm touching 40 years old this summer and there's a club that still wants me, and not many players can say that.
"I am thankful to Ian Holloway and Crystal Palace because they have given me the opportunity to come here, and he's not afraid to use me.
"I feel good, and I'll try and keep playing as long as I can. You never know in football, hopefully we get promoted and I may even get another chance in the Premier League!"
So, what is the recipe for the former Sunderland hitman playing late into his thirties? It's simple.
"It's basically looking after yourself," he said.
"Every ex-professional keeps telling me to play for as long as I possibly can and as long as you're still enjoying it, your body can keep going and your enthusiasm is still there.
"There was a part of me saying I'll probably see this season out at Blackpool, but they made it clear they wanted me off the wage bill, but after the game last week I've certainly got the bug again and I'm certainly looking forward to the rest of the season."
And he revealed he can't wait to create an understanding with the amount of attacking talent on offer at Palace, including Manchester United's latest signing.
"I asked Wilfried Zaha how old he was and he said he was 20, so I'm 19 years older than him and potentially I could be his dad," Phillips joked.
"He's an exciting prospect alongside a number of others in the dressing room, so it will be good working with them.
"The manager trusts me to keep myself fit, even when I'm not going to be at training as much as the others because he doesn't want me down here every day.
"When I am down, I will do it right."
Phillips, however, does have his eye on what to do once he hangs up his boots, with two potential pathways in mind.
"I do a bit of media stuff, and I was actually supposed to start my coaching badges the Monday before I signed for Palace," he revealed.
"I have a contract with Sky and that's probably something I will concentrate on when I do finish playing.
"But I'll certainly do my coaching badges as I certainly think I've got something to offer."
