Peter MacDonald raves about Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson
Peter MacDonald has suggested to the Daily Record that Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson is a big asset for the club.
The 19-year-old defender started for Scotland in their 3-2 win against Israel at Hampden Park on Saturday.
MacDonald, the former St Johnstone and Dundee striker, who coached Patterson for a spell when he worked with the club’s Under-15 side, has suggested that the youngster has all the potential to make the grade at Ibrox.
The 40-year-old has suggested that Patterson is one of the “biggest assets” for the Gers, and he doesn’t see the club sending him out on loan in January.
Patterson has only started four games for Rangers in all competitions this season, and MacDonald feels that he is pushing club-skipper James Tavernier all the way for the regular starting spot.
He has hailed the youngster as a “really exciting prospect” and says that he needs more games under his belt, be it at Rangers or elsewhere.
“Nathan is a really exciting prospect and if he gets more games it will benefit him and the club,” he said to the Daily Record.
“It will also add real value to Nathan’s worth. He has to play between 15 and 20 games this season, whether it’s at Rangers or elsewhere.
“But I don’t see Rangers letting him go on loan. They have a huge responsibility with Nathan because he’s one of their biggest assets.
“He’s got the captain of Rangers and the best full-back in the league ahead of him at Ibrox.”
Premier League interest
Patterson’s stature at the club is getting bigger by the week. He is a fantastic young talent, and Steven Gerrard is a big fan.
During the summer transfer window, Everton made an £8million bid (Sky Sports) to sign the teenager, but Rangers rejected the offer. Premier League giants Manchester United are also reportedly interested in him.
He is now an integral part of Gerrard’s squad and has broken into the Scotland set-up as well. Patterson is aware of the interest from heavyweight clubs, but he has suggested that he is focused on playing for Rangers at the moment.
Rangers definitely won’t send him out on loan in January, and only a big-money offer could persuade them to sell their prized asset.
With every strong performance, Patterson’s stock is rising, and any potential suitors will have to come up with a really good offer to prise him away from Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, a talkSPORT pundit has blasted this big Gers idea, branding them ‘Scottish dross’.