Nat Phillips up for challenge of securing long-term defensive role for Liverpool

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips will hope his performances mean manager Jurgen Klopp does not have to look for a transfer solution in defence (Peter Powell/PA)

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips will hope he has done enough to persuade manager Jurgen Klopp he does not need to dip into the January transfer market.

Klopp currently has no fit senior centre-backs, with Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez long-term absentees due to serious knee injuries and Joel Matip sidelined for three weeks with a groin problem.