Former Liverpool midfielder John Barnes has urged young defender Nat Phillips to decide whether he stays on the bench or moves on to play.

         The 24-year-old has yet to feature in the Premier League this season, making only three appearances, two in the Champions League and one in the Carabao Cup, where he is just the fifth choice in the Premier League. Center position is seconded to Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

         For Barnes pointed out that Phillips must decide for his own future in football. And willing to agree if referred to move away from Anfield for more opportunities to field.

John Barnes has urged young defender Nat Phillips to decide

         “If Nat Phillips wants to be in the first team He has to leave Liverpool,” Barnes told bonus codebats. “He won’t start before Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip or Ibrahima Konate.”

          “He’s not a kid anymore and he has to decide. If he wants to bet on playing regularly with other clubs.”

         “Often it depends on the individual. Some players are content to be part of the team and get on the pitch when needed. While some people like to go down and play continuously.”

         “I have full respect for him if that’s what he chooses.”

Phillips made 20 appearances, scoring once in a 3-0 win over the Clarets at Turf Moor in May. But will drop down the pecking order as long term injury victims Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matic return, while Jurgen Klopp has added to his options with the £36m signing of France Under 21 international Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.

Many observers have suggested that Phillips would be an ideal fit for Burnley, should Phillips move while his stock is high, and Barnes said: “First of all he’s done a fantastic job for the club, but once Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip return from injury. Then he’s not going to get into the side ahead of them.