Rangers fans have reacted on Twitter after teenage right-back Nathan Patterson signed a bumper Ibrox contract, tying him to the club until 2024 [Rangers.co.uk].
Patterson made his senior Rangers debut in January 2020 and was permanently promoted to the first team ahead of this season, with Steven Gerrard confident enough in his ability to install him as the backup to skipper James Tavenier.
Tavernier’s outstanding performances have ensured that opportunities have been few and far between for the Scotland youth international, but he’s impressed in his six career appearances, the most recent of which coming as a substitute in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Ross County.
He was already under contract until 2022 but he’s been further rewarded for his efforts so far this season by an extension that takes him through to 2024 [Rangers.co.uk].
Such long-term deals are hard to come by even for established stars, so it’s an indication of how highly thought of he is at the club.
Fans have called for more homegrown players to be given opportunities in the first team and Patterson is flying the flag for the Academy right now, with the fact that he supports the club further increasing his popularity amongst the fan base.
Therefore, Monday’s news was very well received, with the initial announcement racking up over 8k likes on Twitter and many Bears leaving supportive comments.
Here’s a selection of reactions:
Patterson will be hoping for more game time over the coming months and Steven Gerrard has hinted that his team selection at Hibernian on Wednesday night could be affected by concerns regarding the condition of the Easter Road pitch.
