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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Nat Phillips reveals bizarre location he watched Rangers vs Celtic

Nat Phillips was a notable absentee for Celtic at Ibrox. The Liverpool defender was expected to make his debut after joining on loan in the powderkeg fixture against Rangers.

However, he was missing from the matchday squad for the 1-0 win with manager Brendan Rodgers citing fitness concerns from his parent club.

Phillips was present at Ibrox for the match though. But instead of taking a seat in the stands, Phillips watched his new team-mates claim victory from the media room at Ibrox.

"I had to watch it from inside so you can obviously hear the atmosphere but I didn't get to see it for myself," said Phillips of the match at Ibrox.

"It has obviously got a huge reputation that game and I think the lads did well to get the result."

Pushed on where he watched the match, he added: "I was inside the media room, that's right.

"Obviously I wanted to be in and about the dressing room and amongst the boys taking it all in.

"Inside the media room itself wasn't as fun as it might have been in the stands but at the same time it might not have been that fun in the stands as probably the only Celtic person.

"I enjoyed it, it was good to be there and support the lads. It was a tense game to watch but an enjoyable one."

Phillips could make his debut for Celtic this weekend against Dundee with Rodgers revealing the defender is back in training alongside Reo Hatate.

Offering a fitness update, Rodgers said: "Reo Hatate is now back training with the squad, which is great news. His energy has been really good and he has worked really hard since he picked up that injury at Aberdeen,

"I'm really pleased he's back. He is a top midfield player and his mind is really focused now on playing in the team and doing very well.

"Nat Phillips is training with the squad so he'll hopefully be available for the weekend.

"Cameron Carter-Vickers is still a little bit away, he'll be more early October before he is back. But he's out on the grass and working well.

"Marco Tilio again back in with the squad, back training. It's going to take him a little bit of time to get up to speed.

"And then some of the other boys that are a little bit further behind.

"The squad is looking healthier and as we go forward then hopefully the return of some more of these players will be really good for us."

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