Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson accused of first-half ‘shocker’ in Scotland win v Israel
Scottish journalist Graham Ruthven was hugely critical of Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson after his first-half display for Scotland on Saturday night.
Patterson, 19, was handed a start by Steve Clarke in the Tartan Army’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Israel at Hampden Park, but the away side took a 2-1 lead into half-time.
Ruthven, who writes for Eurosport and previously the BBC, took aim at Patterson on his personal Twitter profile, saying the Rangers teenager was having a “shocker”.
However, Scotland were rampant in the second half and their pressure told as goals from Lyndon Dykes and Scott McTominay secured a much-needed victory in their quest for Qatar 2022.
Scotland were superior in all departments and Ruthven acknowledged Patterson’s presence during the second period.
He wrote: “Fair play to Patterson – he was so much better in the second half! Didn’t hide! Kept wanting the ball.”
Silencing the doubters
Ruthven is entitled to his opinion, but to label Patterson’s first-half efforts as “shocking” felt extreme at the time, and even more so on reflection.
Scotland were a little disjointed during the opening period of the game, but they were still a big threat when they went forward and Patterson was a constant source of energy down the right.
There were a few touches and passes that went astray, but nothing that warranted such a strong reaction.
But, even if people did feel he underwhelmed in the first half, he was back showing his best after the interval, surging down the right-hand side as Scotland claimed a crucial three points in Group F.
Right-back has been a problem position for Scotland in recent years but Patterson has surely staked a claim for a long-term role there now.
He may have helped his chances at Rangers, too.
In other Rangers news, a talkSPORT pundit has blasted this big Gers idea, branding them ‘Scottish dross’.