Nat Phillips set for Celtic debut after deal agreed – expert
Nat Phillips will start for Celtic against Rangers in the first derby clash of the season on Sunday (3 September).
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie insisted Brendan Rodgers has made a “tremendous signing” by bringing the Liverpool defender to Parkhead.
On 31 August, the Celts confirmed the arrival of Phillips on a loan deal running until January.
The arrival of Phillips will easer Rodgers’ defensive woes after he lost last season’s first choice centre-back Carl Starfelt and this season’s pairing Cameron Carter-Vickers and new arrival Maik Nawrocki are both sidelined with injuries.
Phillips’ situation will be reassessed at the start of 2024 when Rodgers will hopefully have all his first choice central defenders to choose from.
McAvennie is delighted with the arrival of the Liverpool defender.
“I think he has made a tremendous signing in Phillips,” he told Football Insider.
“I just can’t understand why it is only until January but at the moment we have just not got enough options at the back.
“What a game to come in on, turning up at Ibrox. I would be very surprised if he does not go straight into the starting lineup on Sunday.
“He is like an old fashioned centre-back, he loves to win the ball and he can play a bit which Brendan will love. He is definitely Brendan’s kind of centre-half.“
The Hoops face Rangers on Sunday (3 September) after a disappointing recent domestic run.
Rodgers’ side drew 0-0 with St Johnstone last weekend after exiting the League Cup following a 1-0 loss to Kilmarnock.
In other news, midfielder wants to quit Celtic after club make contract offer U-turn.