LIVERPOOL defender Nat Phillips reiterated just how much he relished his spell on the south coast with Cherries, before stating that he hoped to continue the regular play-time he received at the Vitality Stadium.

Bolton-born centre-back Phillips joined Cherries on deadline day in January, quickly establishing himself as a mainstay of Scott Parker’s promotion winning side.

The 25-year-old played 17 Championship games for Cherries, missing just one fixture after his arrival on loan from Anfield.

Whilst there has been early speculation this transfer window that Cherries were keen on bringing Phillips back to the south coast, the defender is currently with Liverpool’s first team on a pre-season tour of Thailand and Singapore.

Reflecting on his time at Cherries, Phillips told Liverpool’s website: “I really enjoyed it.

“I enjoyed getting back on the pitch regularly again, I think that was important for me.

“It was nice to go in there with that goal of promotion and to achieve it at the end of the season.

“(Playing regularly) is what all players want to do and obviously I had to go away to go and do that.

“I enjoyed it. It’s important for me to keep doing that at the age I am now.

“It was a good opportunity and I’m glad that I took it.”

Prior to signing for Cherries on loan, Phillips had been on the fringes of the Liverpool squad – but despite not being first choice, he still made two appearances in the Reds’ Champions League campaign.

On the night Cherries defeated Nottingham Forest to secure promotion, Liverpool defeated Villarreal, setting up a trip to Paris for the Champions League final.

Phillips was in attendance as Real Madrid defeated his side 1-0, courtesy of a Vinicius Junior strike.

“I was looking on in support, wishing the lads the best and obviously keeping a close eye on how they were doing,” added Phillips.

“That evening we got promoted I went and checked my phone to see their result, and obviously I was really proud of the boys to see them go far.

“I went out to Paris to support them there and unfortunately it wasn’t to be that evening, but it was still a great campaign to be proud of.”