Young right-back Nathan Patterson made his competitive debut for Rangers on Friday night against Stranraer, and it’s fair to say that the Ibrox faithful were loving what they saw from the starlet.
The teenage defender made his senior bow in last weekend’s friendly demolition of Lokomotiv Tashkent in Dubai, and impressed enough to be given the nod in this evening’s 2-0 Scottish Cup fourth round win over the lower league side.
Lively from the first minute, it wasn’t long before the teen was getting up and down the touchline and delivering sumptuous crosses for Jermain Defoe and co in the centre.
He could have gotten himself on the scoresheet too, but for a fine save from Stranraer stopper Max Currie.
Perhaps most impressive about his outing, however, was the composure he showed throughout.
This wasn’t a player daunted by a night under the floodlights at Ibrox, but rather a young man fully assured of his own ability and hungry to prove what he is capable of in a Light Blue shirt.
Most interesting of all, however, is the prospect of him having an extended run in the side over the next handful of games.
According to manager Steven Gerrard, captain and first choice full-back James Tavernier is set to be out of action for the next couple of weeks, as per the Scottish Sun.
On the strength of this performance, there’s absolutely no reason why Patterson shouldn’t get the call against St. Mirren too.
Here are just a few reasons from supporters as to why…
Nathan Patterson’s amazing 🇬🇧
— David Blyth (@davidb1507) January 17, 2020
Some start from Nathan Patterson
— mentalitygiant (@mentalitygiant1) January 17, 2020
Patterson’s been superb, direct and getting some great balls into the box
— Alex G (@WeeAlexG) January 17, 2020
If he plays any better Patterson will be trending all across the uk
— Dickson🇬🇧 (@DicksonC90) January 17, 2020
Patterson looking like best player on the park 👀
— Billy Bones (@Williamkh__) January 17, 2020
The boy Patterson can play
— derek harvey (@derekharvey2011) January 17, 2020
Patterson. Bit of a player. 😎
— Franky (@FrankyRN51) January 17, 2020
No trying tae say Patterson is a pler. But Patterson is a pler.
— Liam (@LiamL72_) January 17, 2020
Patterson involved in everything here.
— 𝓒 (@C1872__) January 17, 2020
Patterson is ridiculously composed for this being his senior debut, already goes in as back up to Tav imo
— John (@JohnMcIntosh19) January 17, 2020
Patterson 🤯
— Lewis 🇬🇧 (@FTBLLewis21) January 17, 2020
In other news, Alan Hutton claims transfer ‘priority’ could prove to be ‘massive’ for Rangers this month.
