Rangers defender Nathan Patterson will be stuck on the sidelines for Rangers’ final three games of the season as he serves a ban for breaching Covid regulations – but former Ibrox star Kris Boyd believes the 19-year-old should be given a surprise call up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for Euro 2020 this summer.
Patterson has had a breakthroug season this term, putting in a string of impressive performances for the Gers as he filled in for skipper James Tavernier after injury.
With the squads for the Euros increased from 23 to 26, Boyd thinks there’s “no point” in taking three additional senior players who weren’t going to make the original 23-man pool.
After Patterson’s performances for Rangers earned him rave reviews, Boyd is adamant the teen should be one of the extra three joining Clarke’s squad for their first major finals since 1998.
“For what it’s worth I hope [Patterson] gets picked for Scotland’s squad for the Euros, even if he’s not going to start the games,” Boyd told the Scottish Sun.
“Stephen O’Donnell is the No 1 right-back and I can’t see Steve Clarke changing his mind on that before the tournament.
“But Patterson is going to be an international player, it’s only a matter of time. And with the squad numbers increasing from 23 players to 26, I really hope Patterson makes it to the Euros.
“For me there is absolutely no point in taking three experienced players who weren’t going to make the initial squad.
“It should be young players who get the chance to experience a tournament because that’s only going to help them in the future.
“Patterson has to go. OK it’s a bit of a setback that he’s been banned for the final few games of the season, but he’s still done enough to be included.
“He’s been a revelation since breaking into the Rangers team this season and has handled the step up comfortably.”
In other news, Rangers are reportedly facing English competition for ‘outstanding’ international
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