Celtic have secured the services of defender Nat Phillips on a short-term loan from Liverpool, lasting until January 2024.

The 26-year-old, a product of Liverpool’s youth academy, has accumulated 29 first-team appearances for the Reds, netting one goal in the process.

Phillips has also gained experience from loan stints at Bournemouth and German outfit VfB Stuttgart.

In an interview with the Celtic Website, Nat Phillips expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m really excited. When I heard about the interest it was one that got me excited.

“There were a few other options that didn’t quite make me feel the same as this one did, so I was really keen to get it over the line and I’m delighted to be here now.”

When asked why Celtic was his preferred destination, the newly-signed Bhoy elaborated, “It’s the history of the club.

“It’s such a huge club, the club’s aspirations, the level it competes at, the fact that they’re in the Champions League this year and the mentality of the club – they want to be winners in everything they do.”

Brendan Rodgers could be tempted to throw Nat straight in at the depend when the bhoys head to ibrox on Sunday for the first Glasgow Derby of the season. Given he’s out of match practice it could be a huge gamble, but the alternatives don’t inspire confidence either.