Derek McInnes: Nathan Patterson is a conundrum for Rangers
Derek McInnes has urged Rangers to start Nathan Patterson against Ross County today after skipper James Tavernier featured against Brondby.
The Scotland international right-back, 20, has started just one Premiership game this term, and he will be itching to see action when the rock-bottom team in the league visit Ibrox on Sunday.
Tavernier starred in last weekend’s demolition of Motherwell and having played on Thursday, McInnes reckons he deserves to be rested in order to hand Patterson a chance.
The BBC pundit told The Scottish Mail: “Patterson is a conundrum for Rangers. He is a talented boy and Steven Gerrard clearly has a high regard for him but it is so difficult for any manager to leave out his captain.
“Once again, we saw the quality of James Tavernier at Motherwell last weekend with his volleyed goal. I can’t think of another full-back who has scored 20-plus goals as he did last season.
“After Thursday’s Europa League game in Denmark, it might make sense to rest Tavernier and play Patterson at home to Ross County today. There has been instability in the Rangers defence this season with injuries to Filip Helander and Borna Barisic. Collectively, they have not been as robust and assured in their work.
“When it comes down to the bigger matches, Gerrard is going to go with Tavernier. But the more games that stack up domestically and in Europe, the more minutes there will be for Patterson.”
Deserved
The youngster has played just 94 minutes of league football this term, and he will be hoping Steven Gerrard hands him a chance against the Staggies.
Malky Mackay’s men have only won once this term, handing Dundee a 5-0 drubbing during the week.
Nevertheless, they are not expected to be a match for Rangers, and the league leaders should look to ring the changes.
Patterson’s quality is well documented, and if he does not get to start against Ross, he would be wondering why.
Tavernier remains first-choice at Ibrox, and while that is not likely to change anytime soon, Gerrard needs to find a way to keep his younger counterpart satisfied.
There are plenty of games to play this term, and Patterson should get chances.
He will not be satisfied with playing second fiddle, but throwing him into action every now and then should keep him pleased, and that should be the case today.
In other Rangers news, the Bears are plotting January swoop for teenage striking sensation, five PL clubs in pursuit too.