Striking duo - Kevin Phillips and Darius Vassell.

By Reece Killworth

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE

International debuts are the sort of thing players remember for the rest of their lives.

Darius Vassell's was no different.

The 21-year-old burst onto the scene in sensational fashion as he scored with an unforgettable overhead kick in the friendly against Holland in Amsterdam in February.

But despite his impressive start, the fact remains that Vassell is still in the early stages of his international career.

The same could be said for Phillips, even though he made his debut some three years ago against Hungary.

The 28-year-old has made just eight appearances for England, although four of those has been a substitute.

In those games he has failed to make an impact on the international stage and is still waiting for his first goal.

However, he has shown potential in patches and has been unfortunate not to have more starting chances.

When it comes down to the final analysis, though, Vassell has scored one in one appearance while Phillips has scratched around without hitting the net.

VASSELL 7/10. PHILLIPS: 6/10.

FORM THIS SEASON

Before taking a look at the stats, I was willing to give Vassell the advantage - but that would have been harsh on Phillips.

Although the former Watford striker has taken a lot of flak as Sunderland have struggled this season, he has still netted 11 goals.

That tally puts him on level terms with Vassell, who has already more than doubled his effort of last season.

The Birmingham-born youngster has found a new lease of life since being partnered with the in-form Juan Pablo Angel and has confined more senior figures like Dion Dublin and Bosko Balaban to fringe roles.

As strikers earn their money through scoring goals and both have managed 11 this season, it's impossible to separate the duo.

VASSELL: 7/10. PHILLIPS: 7/10.

FINISHING

Phillips has proved his finishing ability time and time again in the Premiership and Nationwide leagues.

He has scored at over a goal every two games throughout his career for Watford and Sunderland and cracked a brilliant 30 goals in 1999/2000, which won him the European Golden Shoe.

He is the Black Cats' top post-war scorer and has shown regularly that one chance is often enough for him to find the net.

Vassell does not have the same experience as Phillips and has yet to show he is in the same class as his rival.

Although he has scored 11 times this season, he is still only just past the 20 mark in his career in club football.

His finishing - as his goal for England proved - can be world-class, but he he is yet to show he can maintain those standards over a longer period of time.

Phillips, on the other hand, has scored goals year on year so he edges this category.

VASSELL: 7/10. PHILLIPS: 8/10.

PACE

Speed is probably the biggest asset of Vassell's game, and the sight of him in full flow is enough to see why defenders are running scared.

The youngster has the explosive turn of pace that has made Michael Owen a star on the world stage.

Indeed various players and pundits claim Vassell can be the perfect understudy to the Liverpool star as their pace is so similar.

Phillips is no slouch in the speed stakes, but when compared to Vassell, there is only one winner.

VASSELL: 10/10. PHILLIPS: 7/10.

AERIAL ABILITY

For a man of 5ft 7in, Phillips has good spring and is not afraid to put himself about against even the tallest of centre backs.

Although much of Sunderland's aerial work is done by Niall Quinn, Phillips is also a danger in the air and has scored a good proportion of his goals with his head.

Vassell does most of his better work on the ground but his goal against Holland proves there is more to aerial ability than just using your head.

However, Phillips' all-round ability in the air sees him edge it.

VASSELL: 6/10. PHILLIPS: 7/10.

LINK PLAY

Phillips has undergone a transformation similar to Andy Cole's in recent times.

Although he has maintained his tremendous eye for goal, Phillips has been groomed into more of an all-round player under the guidance of Peter Reid at Sunderland.

He is not in the class of Teddy Sheringham - who is a master of the link-up play - but his ability on the ball and eye for a good through-ball mark him out as a good link merchant.

Vassell's link play is still developing but he has shown in patches that he is happy - and able - to play in a more withdrawn role and supply the ammunition.

VASSELL: 7/10. PHILLIPS: 8/10.

TOTALS: VASSELL: 44 PHILLIPS 43.

SPORTINGLIFE.COM VERDICT:

After one goal in one appearance it is all to easy to claim Vassell has a long international future ahead of him.

Perhaps, as several of his team-mates have predicted, he will be best served as Michael Owen's international understudy.

Whatever the long-term future holds, the Vassell looks set to edge it this summer.

Phillips has had limited chances with England - and I for one feel sorry for him on that fact, particularly as his international career now appears to be over.

But in his four starts he has failed to make the impact that Vassell made on his debut.

The Villa striker may well not feature in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad when it comes down to it as England may only take four frontmen to the Far East.

But I expect him to get closer than Phillips.