Rangers defender Nathan Patterson thinks his experience of playing against some of Europe’s elite youth players as part of the Gers’ ambitious Games Programme can help stand him in good stead ahead of representing Scotland the best the continent has to offer in this summer’s Euros.
The teenager was involved as Rangers faced off against the likes of Ajax, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester City and Feyenoord as well as taking on Atletico Madrid in last season’s UEFA Youth League.
After being confirmed in Steve Clarke’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020 he’s “over the moon” and excited to meet up with the squad after his maiden call-up to the senior national team.
With friendlies against Luxembourg and the Netherlands to come before Scotland take on Croatia, Czech Republic and England, Patterson is hoping he can pick up his first cap and cap off an incredible season for the 19-year-old full-back.
“I’m just delighted. It’s a dream come true to play for Scotland and be picked for the ‘A’ squad,” Patterson told Rangers TV.
“Scotland haven’t been at a major tournament in a long time and we’re going to the Euros and being part of that squad is a great achievement and I know how much it means to the country and hopefully we can bring success back.
“I’m over the moon to have this chance and I’m willing to work as hard as I can to get an opportunity.
‘I’ve done that this season with the first team and throughout my career even with the Academy – working hard with the coaches to give myself the chance to get into the Scotland squad.
“I can draw on experiences with the Academy playing against top opposition like Ajax, flying abroad and seeing different cultures and coming up against different styles and that has stood me in good stead.
“I’m looking forward to meeting up with the boys and getting in with the team, training well and hopefully I get an opportunity to show what I can do.
“It’s been a superb season for me and this is making it even better and hopefully I can go away and do really well with Scotland and get some game time.”
Patterson will be competing with Stephen O’Donnell for the right-back berth in Clarke’s squad and it’ll be interesting to see if the teen gets any game time in the tournament itself.
Despite having made limited appearances for Rangers this season, the defender has shown more than enough for the Gers to merit his place in the squad.
With Europa League experience and a league winner’s medal already tucked away, it won’t be a surprise if Patterson continues to go from strength to strength after his Euros inclusion.
In other news, Rangers icon ‘can’t believe the impact’ midfield linchpin has had at Ibrox
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