Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has insisted Nathan Patterson will get his chance to cement himself as the first-choice right-back at Ibrox “when the time is right” after the teen impressed on international duty with Scotland.
Patterson shone in the win over Moldova last week before an injury ruled him out of the clash with Austria and Gerrard has no concerns about his development, despite his lack of regular game-time.
With Patterson facing the likes of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Jermain Defoe and Kemar Roofe in training, Gerrard is confident that Patterson is being challenged every single day.
“I appreciate Nathan is a big interest to the media in Scotland. He did fantastically well, I watched the game. Albeit it was against Moldova,” Gerrard said.
“Nathan is doing fantastically well and don’t worry about his development. He’s up against Ryan Kent most days, if he’s not up against Ryan Kent he’s up against Scott Wright.
“He’s got forwards like Jermain Defoe, Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos who are challenging him every minute of every training session.
“Nathan will come through and be the No. 1 right back here at Rangers when the time is right.
“He’s ready to compete for the jersey, he’s pushing James in every way shape and form he can and I believe it’s a challenge in every position because I have a loaded squad.
“That’s what will make us even more successful than what we already have been.
“I’ve got no doubts Nathan Patterson is in the right place from a development point of view and also he’s a Rangers fan, he loves the club, he’s happy here and settled. He’s more than ready.”
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