John Hartson says Nat Phillips will not start for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic despite his summer loan spell from Liverpool.
On paper, it could be argued that Liverpool’s experienced player is better than Liam Scales and Celtic’s main defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
But the only reason Liam started the season was because of an injury to his back, with John Hartson left stunned by his “impressive” performance, as he told Go Radio.
This leaves the Bhoys legend in no doubt: if a “really tough” match is going to happen, Liam Can will be the one to start alongside the American
It’s worth remembering that Nat Phillips is on loan to the club until January, only joining in to treat injuries to Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki, who are still absent.
However, the England international has only played 152 minutes and is yet to complete 90, with injury disrupting his start to the season – he came on as a substitute in Celtic’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Friday.
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“As far as I’m concerned, he (Scales) is still on the team,” Hartson said.
“He plays very well and is impressive as a left centre-back.
“He feels comfortable with the ball.
He can carry it in and out from behind while moving forward.
When he plays wide, he makes it sparkle wide.
A good passer.
Good protection.
Protect your box.
Go and lead him.
And he’s really comfortable to own.
He didn’t panic and didn’t seem under pressure.
He’s impressive.
He was a player who returned to Aberdeen at the start of the season.
“For me, I think it’s Carter-Vickers and Scales.
You’ve got Lagerbielke and Nat Phillips, who we brought in from Liverpool.
You have Nawrocki and Wales.
“Other than Brendan making the decision to put him on the field and play with one or two other guys.
But who’s in a better position right now if you’re facing really stiff opposition then I’d pick Carter-Vickers and Scales.
Let’s hope this isn’t another move by Shane Duffy as that would be a real embarrassment for the player.
Phillips has a lot more to offer this Celtic team, it’s just a case of hitting top form, getting regular minutes and then the fans will really be able to see what he’s all about next.
Maybe Carter-Vickers and Scales are the top two in Rodgers’ eyes.
But with crucial Champions League matches coming up after the international break, one would imagine Phillips would get a starting spot after that.