Peter Grant has backed on-loan Liverpool star Nat Phillips to make his Celtic debut against Rangers on Sunday at Ibrox.
The Bhoys landed Nat Phillips’ signature this week after his loan move from Liverpool – he has signed a deal until January, Andy Robertson issued a four-word response to that move.
It’s the small matter of facing the old enemy today, with Grant stating that there is ‘absolutely no doubt’ Phillips will start at the heart of the defence against Rangers, as he told Go Radio.
During Celtic’s previous outing, it was dropped points at home to St Johnstone, with Gustaf Lagerbielke playing alongside Liam Scales for the injury-hit champions.
At the time, Pat Bonner spoke about the stick Scales got from the fans, with every possibility that if Phillips does start, then it’s the Irishman who will make way.
Nonetheless, as the hours edge closer to the Ibrox showdown, Grant, who is pleased with Phillips’ arrival, is backing him to be thrown straight into the deep end.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
“I was delighted Nat Phillips came in because I thought he did tremendous when he was at Liverpool,” said Grant. “He wasn’t expected to do as well as he did, in that period of time.
On if Phillips starts v Rangers: “Yes, I think it will have to be. Absolutely. If he has been training with Liverpool, then there is absolutely no doubt that he will start the match.”
Welcome to Celtic, Nat Phillips
Whether Phillips starts or not, today’s game is going to be a huge eye-opener for the hard-hitting centre-back.
The Englishman will understand the immense pressure that comes with these games and the heat that can put on you when donning the famous Celtic colous.
Come out on top, and Celtic need to bounce back after previous poor showings, then you can make yourself a hero pretty much straight away.