Rangers teen Nathan Patterson had an outstanding maiden Old Firm start in yesterday’s 2-0 win for Steven Gerrard’s side over Celtic at Ibrox – and the Gers boss is excited to see what the future brings for the marauding right-back.
The Scotland under-21 international was given the nod ahead of skipper James Tavernier for the crucial cup clash and shone as he constantly put the Hoops’ defence on the backfoot with his driving runs and determined attacking play.
Gerrard was delighted with his showing ahead of an appeal over a six-game ban issued for breaching Covid regulations, insisting there isn’t a better Scottish right-back on current form.
The Ibrox boss plans on working with Patterson to make him “bigger and stronger” as he looked forward to an “exciting” future for the teen.
“If there is a better right back in the country on form, I would like to see it,” Gerrard said, speaking to the Glasgow Times.
“I would like to see it. If there is a better right back, on current form, that is Scottish, in the league, I would like to see it.
“I don’t have a choice in that department [if Tavernier comes straight back in]. The timing just happens naturally. James is available and we would have used him today if needed.
“Nathan got a kick in the last 15 minutes, we were wondering if he’d got a bit of cramp.
“He emptied the tank for us today and his performance was outstanding.
“He has become a man in a short space of time. He’s maturing. We are still going to work on his body to make him bigger and stronger.
“He’ll hopefully be back to finish this season with us and have a really strong pre-season to develop him from a physical and football point of view.
“There is still loads more to come from Nathan which is really exciting.”
In other news, a Rangers loanee has opened up on his progress on loan in England
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