Craig Levein backed Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn and Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson to be the foundation of the Scotland squad, on BBC Sportsound (12/11, 19:08).
The former Tartan Army boss feels McGinn and Patterson can be the core of Scotland’s right-hand side for years to come after producing a strong partnership against Moldova.
Steve Clarke utilised McGinn on his right-wing in a 3-4-3 system at the Stadionul Zimbru on Friday night. While Patterson started the World Cup qualifier as an attacking wing-back.
McGinn had two real moments of class as Scotland beat Moldova 2-0 to seal a play-off spot for Qatar. Initially assisting Patterson to open the scoring, and combining for their second.
Aston Villa midfielder McGinn played an inch-perfect pass to Rangers’ Patterson, who took a touch before finding the bottom corner. Before the Villans’ £2m star later freed the Gers dynamo with a smart backheel, and Patterson’s cutback handed Che Adams an easy finish.
Levein feels McGinn and Patterson showed in Moldova the Rangers and Aston Villa duo can be an ideal Scotland pairing. And believes the Tartan Army are entering an exciting period.
“I thought it was a comfortable second-half,” Levein said.
“McGinn and Patterson on the right-hand side is definitely something to work with. This group could be together for six, eight-years. It’s really exciting how young the squad is.”
Will Gerrard raid Rangers to pair Patterson with McGinn at Aston Villa?
Rangers will hope Patterson and McGinn are only an ideal combination for Scotland after Aston Villa hired Steven Gerrard.
The new Villans boss handed Patterson his senior debut while in charge at Ibrox last year. He has since made 22 first-team appearances, and earned his Tartan Army bow this June.
Gerrard only fielded the 20-year-old six times across all competitions this season before leaving Glasgow, however. Patterson also only started one of three Premiership outings.
But a lack of domestic action with Rangers did not stop Patterson from starring as Scotland beat Moldova. Netting a brilliant goal with his weaker foot and pushing on to turn provider.
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