Rangers are ‘really pleased’ with youngster Patterson – Gerrard
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was full of praise for teenage defender Nathan Patterson as his side drew 1-1 away to Slavia Prague.
Patterson, 19, came into the side after scoring in the round of 32 against Royal Antwerp. It’s been a rollercoaster few weeks for the teenager, who is awaiting a Scottish FA disciplinary hearing on March 25.
The Gers travelled to the Czech Republic just four days after being crowned champions of Scotland, and fought hard to take a goal back to Ibrox.
Nicolae Stanciu scored a stunning opener for the hosts after just seven minutes gone. It was cancelled out by Filip Helander 30 minutes later, who tapped in from close range.
Speaking to BT Sport 3 after the match, Gerrard claimed he was delighted with the performance of Patterson in particular. He said: “Take into consideration everyone connected to the club has had a really emotional week.
“To give to the game in terms of effort and application I’m so proud of the players. Nathan epitomised that, I thought he was really strong.
“He became a man tonight I think, there’s plenty more appearances for him for us moving forward, after his ban of course. We’re really pleased with him.”
Back in favour
Patterson has had a whirlwind few weeks that will surely serve as a big lesson to him. The youngster was one of the five Rangers players to be fined by the club following their breaches of the Government’s Covid regulations.
It appeared that he may have no future at the club, as Gerrard was said to be furious with the lads involved. In a change of events, he scored his first goal for the club 16 seconds after coming on as a substitute against Antwerp in the last round.
What a week it’s been for Patterson and Rangers. A 55th Scottish League title delivered after 10 years of hurt, and a solid result away in Prague.
Gerrard will be hoping to maintain the undefeated league and Europa record over the course of the next week. Up next? Just the matter of an Old Firm derby, followed by the second leg of the Europa League clash at home.
In other Rangers news, Michael Stewart raves about Mcgregor and his world-class save.