Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson has expressed his delight at Nathan Patterson being named in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for Euro 2020 and insists the teenage full-back is in the squad on merit.
Patterson is the youngest player ever to be named in a Scotland squad for a major tournament as Clarke’s 26-man squad becomes the first side to pull on the dark blue at a finals since France 98.
Gers boss Steven Gerrard was the one to give Patterson the news of his selection for the Euros and Wilson admitted that everyone at Ibrox was proud of him for making the squad.
“We are delighted Nathan has been called up,” Wilson told Rangers TV.
“There’s been a bit of speculation about how Steve Clarke would treat the additional places in the squad and there’s been a few injuries as well.
“We think Nathan is there on merit, there’s no question of that in our mind. Everybody could see just how high potential Nathan is when he’s played for Rangers already.
“We’re delighted for him. We’re proud of him, his family will be overjoyed as well.
“Steven (Gerrard) spoke to him this morning to give him the news, I think he was just out of bed so hopefully it’s sunk in but I know how proud his mum and dad will be.
“I’ll touch base with his dad later on today. I’m delighted for Nathan.”
Before the finals get underway, Clarke’s side have two friendlies to play as they take on Luxembourg and the Netherlands – with Patterson likely to make his debut in one of the two fixtures.
With games against England, Croatia and the Czech Republic, Patterson could also come up against Rangers team-mate Borna Barisic if he can force his way ahead of Stephen O’Donnell for a place Scotland side.
Patterson will also be joined in the squad by Rangers team-mate Jon McLaughlin as well as ex-Ibrox wonderkid Billy Gilmour as Scotland aim to get past the first round for the first time ever.
In other news, Rangers teen Euro 2020 spot hailed by former Scotland boss after wowing for Gers
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