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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Nat Phillips set for Liverpool return as Celtic loan spell unlikely to be extended

Celtic loanee Nat Phillips is set to return to Liverpool in January.

This is according to the Athletic who claim that the defender's spell in Glasgow is not expected to be extended beyond next month and he will likely seek other opportunities.

Phillips joined the Hoops in August as Brendan Rodgers' side were experiencing an injury crisis at centre-back with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh all being injured at the time.

However, as those players have returned to fitness the 26-year-old's chances have become limited.

He has featured eight times for the Scottish champions in total, starting on four occasions.

Meanwhile, B teams will remain in the Scottish Lowland Football League for at least the next two seasons.

League chiefs confirmed a majority of clubs backed the continued inclusion of B teams moving forward.

It means B team sides affiliated to clubs will be permitted to compete in the division.

Currently, Celtic and Hearts have B teams in the Lowland League. Rangers had a B team side in the division last season.

Heart of Midlothian B sit third in the table so far this season with a 39-point haul from 20 outings to date. Meanwhile, Celtic's B team are in tenth with 23 points from 17 matches.

A statement from the Lowland League confirmed: "The Scottish Lowland Football League can confirm that the majority of our members have voted in favour of continuing with B Teams for at least the next 2 seasons.

"Following a process which began in October, a democratic vote was held in line with our rules at a General Meeting tonight. 

"The Board would like to thank all our members for their contributions to the discussions in recent weeks."

Rangers withdrew their B team from the Lowland League at the end of last season. The side had played two seasons in the league finishing second both times.

However, after the controversial Scottish FA vote on the introduction of a 'Conference League' was axed; Rangers pulled out of the league.

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