LOANEE defender Nat Phillips’ future is "irrelevant" according to Scott Parker, with the Cherries boss focusing on securing promotion rather than concern himself with building next season’s squad.

A deadline day signing from Liverpool, Phillips has quickly established himself alongside Lloyd Kelly at the heart of Cherries’ defence.

Whilst it is not currently believed that the loan deal between Cherries and Liverpool includes a clause to make Phillips’ stay on the south coast permanent, it appears that Phillips is not currently in the plans of Jurgen Klopp, with the 25-year-old making just three appearances this season for the Reds prior to the January switch.

Although it is obvious Parker is a fan of the Bolton-born defender, the former Fulham boss believes now is not the time to discuss the centre-back’s future, instead stressing the importance of focusing on the footballing side of things.

Parker believes that any questions regarding Phillips’ career will be answered by the former Stuttgart defender keeping his head down.

Speaking of Phillips and his situation, Parker said: “Perhaps, maybe, hopefully (he will stay at Cherries.)

“At this moment in time that's not really been discussed, as always with Nat (Phillips) and with all the players who are on loan, and their positions, where they sit at the end of the season, or they don't sit is really irrelevant.

“Just tell them to keep their heads down and focus on performing, and that probably ends up taking care of itself one way or another.

“That's how I've learnt things. So he needs to be consistent in his levels, which he has done.”

Parker went on to praise Phillips, labelling the Bolton academy product an “extremely bright lad”.

“He's done very well since he's come in to the side,” added Parker.

“Extremely bright lad, very good professional.

“Someone who's engaged, someone wants to learn every day, someone has invested in us and the team and yeah, he needs to continue that.”