Nat Phillips has admitted he has found his lack of game time at Liverpool 'difficult' and is eager to get back to regular first-team football on loan at AFC Bournemouth.
The Reds' defender sealed a deadline day switch to the south coast and will now look to play a key role in the Cherries' quest for Premier League promotion between now and May.
It has been a frustrating campaign for the 24-year-old, who has featured only three times for Jurgen Klopp's side this campaign having played a key role in Liverpool securing Champions League football last term.
READ MORE: Fabio Carvalho offers summer transfer hint as Liverpool face huge midfield decisions
READ MORE: Liverpool title message sent to Man City after shock transfer
A number of Premier League sides had been linked with permanent moves for the Bolton-born defender, though Phillips was pleased with the outcome of his switch regardless as he looks to establish himself at the Vitality Stadium.
"Interest had been growing throughout the window and it was an option I was really excited about because of the club's ambition. I've heard a lot of good things about the club and I'm very happy to get started," he told Bournemouth media's team.
"I've had a period now where I've not seen a great deal of football or minutes. As a player, that's what you want to be doing. I'm hoping that, by coming here, I will get the opportunity to do so.
"It is true, it is difficult when you're not playing and I found it difficult after getting a taste for regular football last year.
"To then go back to not playing as much is hard, but I recognise that I need to go and get some minutes elsewhere and hopefully this is a move that suits all parties.
"The club has got a clear goal and all players are wanting to play in the Premier League," added Phillips on his ambitions for his loan spell. "We have all got that clear common goal and we will be doing everything we can to achieve that."
Klopp is certainly a big admirer of Phillips, and described him as 'one of the smartest players' he has ever worked with back in December.
Providing his response to this, the Liverpool loanee said: "The smartest players? I'm not sure about that.
"I've come across a lot of players who are very smart, but it is high praise. I would say that I have improved huge amounts in the time that I've been working underneath him [Klopp] and he's a great coach and manager.
"Off the field, he is a great person to have behind you. I am very fortunate to have benefited from that relationship with him."
