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'That wasn't a simple ride either' - Phillips drawing on Stuttgart promotion during Cherries run-in

Nat Phillips was promoted with Stuttgart (Picture: PA)
Nat Phillips was promoted with Stuttgart (Picture: PA)

NAT Phillips says he can use the experiences gained during his promotion campaign with VfB Stuttgart during the Championship run-in with Cherries.

Phillips, 25, has become a key part of Cherries' side since arriving on loan from Liverpool in January.

Scott Parker thrust the centre-back straight into action and he has started all-but one of the 15 games Cherries have faced over the past three months, forging a partnership with captain Lloyd Kelly.

Cherries are the second club Phillips has spent time out on loan at from the Merseyside giants, having also spent most of the 2019-20 campaign at German outfit Stuttgart.

There he made 22 appearances, as Stuttgart clinched promotion back to the Bundesliga on the final day of the season, finishing second behind Arminia Bielefeld.

And while Phillips hopes it does not go right to the end again this time around, his experiences from his time in Germany are standing him in good stead.

"That’s something I hope I can draw from and help the team with, the fact that I’ve experienced that," Phillips told the Daily Echo.

"And that wasn’t a simple ride either. That pretty much went down to the wire until the last two games.

"Hopefully it won’t be as close with Bournemouth, but it’s an experience that I’ve had and hopefully I can draw on it and help the team here."

Asked how he has found his first experience of the Championship this season, Phillips added: "It’s very much how I expected, in that every week is a real battle, a real challenge.

"There’s not going to be any team where it’s a walk in the park. Every week is a tough game.

"But I’m enjoying the challenge, I’m enjoying competing here, I’m enjoying being a part of something.

"I’m getting my games in and I’m pursuing something with a club in terms of chasing promotion."

Phillips is expected to keep his spot when Cherries head to Blackburn Rovers tomorrow, looking to extend their three-point lead over third-placed Nottingham Forest.