Glasgow Rangers have another versatile full-back in the ranks.
Rangers’ move for Jon Flanagan has not worked out a success so far.
Yet even now it’s easy to see why they took the gamble. Flanagan was free, he is versatile, able to play at both left-back and right-back and was known by Steven Gerrard.
Sadly Flanagan has not brought his A-game to Rangers.
And that’s why the progress of Nathan Patterson for the under-20s is even more important.
Patterson is just 17 and is making a good impression for the Gers.
He was one of Rangers’ standout players in the under-20s draw with Burnley this week.
Coach Peter Lovenkrands had positive words for him afterwards.
The ex-Ibrox fan favourite told Rangers’ official website: “Nathan Patterson, who was playing at left-back when normally he’s a right-back, also had a really good game.
“The way he linked up play for his goal was brilliant and he then finished it off with a great finish. So Nathan was really good.”
Patterson’s developing ability to play in two positions will count in his favour when it comes to getting a first team chance.
Left-back is more ‘up for grabs’ in the Rangers side, with James Tavernier captaining the club from right-back, while on the left, Borna Barisic has been struggling.
Patterson is still a little way off the first team, but it may not be long until he overtakes Flanagan in the pecking order.
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