Kris Boyd: Nathan Patterson playing well due to Gerrard fear
Nathan Patterson was excellent against Slavia Prague and is determined to impress according to ex-Rangers man Kris Boyd.
The Sky Sports pundit suggests the youngster has impressed recently and is fuelled by a motivation to justify Steven Gerrard’s faith in him.
The youngster was drafted into the side last month not long after he was temporarily left out of the squad for breaking Covid protocols.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Scottish Football Podcast, Boyd said, “I thought Nathan Patterson was excellent up and down.
“He’s probably playing with a lot of fear right now as well because he can’t let down his manager again after what happened.
“But it’s definitely helping him, getting up and down the pitch he’s tackling well and also the block you mention.”
Eager to impress
Patterson has displayed a brilliant attitude since coming into the team and an ability to match.
He is still very raw but has held his own in big European games against Royal Antwerp and Slavia Prague.
The fact we have not missed James Tavernier is perhaps the biggest compliment we can pay him, and Gerrard will be delighted with his contribution.
Credit must go to Stevie G.
He handled the Covid situation remarkably well, punishing Patterson and his fellow culprits but then offered them a second chance.
Patterson has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and his desire not to let Gerrard down may very well be helping him to perform so well.
If the right-back can continue learning then he has the potential to become a valuable player at Ibrox.
He will have learnt a great deal already this season and we are keen to see how he develops in the future.
In other Rangers news, Kenny Dalglish’s praise for one Gers star will not sit well with Chris Sutton.