Rangers teen Nathan Patterson will head to the Euros this summer with Scotland – and Ibrox team-mate Kai Kennedy is “absolutely buzzing” for his mate who he thinks can be an “inspiration for all Rangers Academy players.”
Patterson was named in Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad for the finals and Kennedy, who has played alongside him as they worked their way through the Gers Academy, insists he deserves his place after impressing in James Tavernier’s absence towards the end of the season.
The pair also made their first-team debuts together against Stranraer in the Scottish Cup and Kennedy admits Patterson’s rapid ascent to the senior Scotland squad is a “dream come true.
“I am absolutely buzzing for him. He is one of my best mates so I am so pleased for him and he deserves it,” Kennedy told Rangers Youth Development Company.
“He was absolutely brilliant in the games he played for Rangers this season and I couldn’t be any more proud or happier for him.
“It’s hard to get games at right back as James Tavernier is the captain and plays at such a high level but when Nathan got his chance he took it.
“We have grown up together at the Academy and it was an absolute pleasure to watch him playing in the first-team, in domestic and European matches. I am really proud of him.
“He’s played at all levels for Scotland – 17s, 18s, 19s and under 21s – and now I am so happy he has been called up to the squad for the Euros.
“It’s a dream come true. Every young boy wants to play for their county at a major tournament and Nathan has the chance to do that this summer.
“It’s great to see one of your best mates doing so well and he deserves it. I am really happy for him.
“He can be an inspiration for all Rangers Academy players. To see him breaking through is great for the club. The manager has given him game time and he has earned the manager’s trust as he has gone out and done the job when asked to play.
“And now his reward is to get picked for the Scotland squad at the Euros and he deserves his place.”
Will Nathan Patterson be involved for Scotland at the Euros?
The Rangers defender is one of only two right-backs in Steve Clarke’s squad – the other being Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell – so he should get a chance to impress in the pre-tournament friendlies against Luxembourg and The Netherlands but O’Donnell is likely to get the nod for the competitive games.
There’s definitely an argument to be made for Patterson to start though and the Rangers defender really impressed in his run of games in the final stages of the season.
Clarke might want to stick with what he knows in O’Donnell but there’s little doubt that Patterson could add something to the Scotland side in their tournament appearance in 23 years.
If he does get the chance to play in the finals itself, you wouldn’t bet against him impressing just as he has for Rangers.
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