IT WOULDN’T BE a promotion race without Kevin Phillips.

The 40-year-old striker has signed for Championship leaders Leicester City on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

The Foxes are currently four points clear and if they go up, it will be the fifth time that Phillips has helped a team clinch promotion.

Last season he held his nerve in extra-time of the playoff final and scored the £100m penalty that sent Crystal Palace back to the Premier League for the first time since 2005.

Phillips was also promoted with Sunderland, West Brom — where he played under current Leicester boss Nigel Pearson — and Birmingham.

“The opportunity to sign a player of Kevin’s experience and know-how doesn’t come along too often so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to add him to our squad,” Pearson said.

Phillips was released by Crystal Palace last month. Subject to his registration being cleared by the Football League, he will be available to make his debut at Leeds on Saturday.

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