Rangers Exclusive: McLeish shares verdict on Patterson earning Scotland chance
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Alex McLeish believes that Rangers defender Nathan Patterson could solve a long-lasting headache for Scotland in the European Championships this summer.
The young Bears talent has emerged onto the scene at Ibrox this month, with James Tavernier pulling up with an injury.
McLeish believes that Scotland have been missing a right-back for years now and that they now have a “top-player” coming through the ranks.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, McLeish said, “The one thing we have been short on in the national team is a right-back.
“You never forget that Ryan Jack was tried there, I think it was a back four of left-footers. I had a plan to do that when we went to Albania.
“We really have been missing an enterprising full-back, and a top player coming into the fold. He’s just a kid with things to learn and hopefully he can keep progressing and rise above the performances we’ve seen already.”
Charlie Adam has backed Patterson as an outside shout to make the Scottish squad for the upcoming EUROs, and that is certainly a possibility.
Liam Palmer and Stephen O’Donnell have both been fighting relegation for large parts of this season with Sheffield Wednesday and Motherwell, and Patterson could have jumped ahead.
Steven Gerrard admitted that the young defender became a man in the Europa League against Slavia Praha, and these are all experiences that are leading to this summer.
Steve Clarke will be keeping a close eye on Patterson, who has a big few months ahead of him to prove himself to claim one of them Scottish spots.
In other Rangers news, Derek Ferguson urges Bears to tie down future of Allan McGregor