Alan Hutton impressed by Nathan Patterson but claims he has a lot to learn
Nathan Patterson scored his second goal of the season on Sunday and Alan Hutton has been wowed by the Rangers youngster.
The 19-year-old has made the right-back spot his own following the injury to James Tavernier and impressed once more against Cove Rangers.
Steven Gerrard has described Patterson as “one of the brightest prospects ever in terms of right-back” [The Scottish Sun], and Hutton shares his view.
He told BBC Sportscene, “He’s got a lot of learning to do but he’s stepped in for Tavernier and been absolutely fantastic.
“He’s growing with confidence with every game that he plays and I think he’s a real gem for the future.”
Suspension blow
Patterson was charged by the Scottish FA last week and though his suspension is pending due to an appeal, it is likely he will have to sit out a few games.
Gerrard is devastated by that development [The Scottish Sun] and rightly so, as Patterson has come on leaps and bounds since February.
He shows all the attributes that a young player should – determination, energy and a willingness to learn from mistakes.
On Sunday he showed brilliant anticipation to intercept a pass before finding the bottom corner.
He is adventurous on the right flank and would surely be guaranteed to start until Tavernier is deemed fit enough to return.
However, by the time Patterson is available after suspension the Gers skipper could be back in the side.
Patterson, therefore, may have limited opportunities to play again this season and that could hinder his progress.
We hope the SFA reconsiders and accepts Gerrard’s claim [via The Scottish Sun] that the Covid 5’s rulebreaking was not as serious as that of Jordan Jones and George Edmundson in November last year.
In other Rangers news, a high-profile journalist was allowed back at Ibrox on Sunday after previously being denied access.