There must be something in the water about certain centre-backs coming from the English Premier League and struggling at Celtic.
It just hasn’t been a good mix. The infamous spells of Shane Duffy and Nat Phillips prove that.
The latter joined at the start of the season on a six-month loan deal from Liverpool and possibly hoping to extend that beyond January by putting in top-quality performances for Brendan Rodgers.
But the fact of the matter is, Nat Phillips only completed 90 minutes once in Celtic colours and that was his final game when he scored an own goal during the defeat to Kilmarnock.
Even though there were still weeks remaining on his loan contract at Parkhead, he was never seen again, until Liverpool recently confirmed on their website that he has joined Championship side Cardiff City on a loan deal until the end of the season.
With a certain David Turnbull also linked with a move to the Welsh side, the two could re-unite before the January transfer window slams shut.
Nonetheless, Nat Phillips took to Instagram to express his delight at his latest move, with Greg Taylor and Caoimhin Kelleher sending their messages of support in the comments section.
Greg Taylor and Caoimhin Kelleher react to Nat Phillips’ new club
The Celtic left-back, who is currently in the treatment room, wrote ‘congrats big man’ added with eyes heart emoji.
Whilst Liverpol’s back-up goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who has been linked to Celtic, added: ‘Good luck pal’ added with a raised hands and a fire emoji.
Liam Scales outshone Nat Phillips
The Liverpool man only came in because there were injuries at the heart of the defence. But he was supposed to be the senior guy for the team and play a much bigger role than he did.
Instead, he watched Liam Scales, who was loaned out to Aberdeen last season and probably would have gone back if everyone was fit, showcase to the world what he is all about by taking his chance.
Yes, Cameron Carter-Vickers still remains the main man of the team at the back.
But it’s not the now-departed Phillips next to him, or any of the new signings, but a previously unfancied centre-back who is proving everyone wrong.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
