BAGGIES' striker Kevin Phillips has told the offical West Brom website how he owes City boss Glenn Roeder for his career in professional football. 

As the Watford manager 14 years ago, Roeder plucked Phillips from non-league Baldock Town, handing him his first professional contract.  

Speaking to  the club's offical site www.wba.co.uk , the 34 year-old forward showed much respect towards the Canaries boss.

"I owe my career to Glenn Roeder. That won't stop me from trying my hardest and trying to score the winner," he said looking forward to this Saturday's game at Carrow Road.

"Glenn is the one that signed me on professional forms from non-league. When no-one else would give me that chance, he took a chance on me and I owe him everything I've earned in my career - not that I'm going to give it him all. I'll certainly buy him a drink when I see him because he gave me that opportunity when no-one else would."

The former England forward  went on to explain to the Baggies' offical site that he was not shocked by the effect that Glenn Roeder has had on the Canaries since taking the job back in November with the Club sat bottom on eight points.

"It doesn't surprise me what he's done at Norwich. He was manager at Newcastle for a year-and-a-half and you don't get that job without having something special about you," he said. 

"He went to Norwich under real tough circumstances and turned it round. Glenn's got them to that point where I'm sure one more win will see them safe.I just hope it's not on Saturday.

"But I hope Glenn keeps them in the league and they go onto bigger and better things."