Teenage Rangers defender Nathan Patterson has been named in the SPFL Team of the Week following his outstanding debut display against Stranraer on Friday evening.
The 18-year-old right-back was named in the starting XI for the Scottish Cup Fourth Round clash at Ibrox having impressed whilst away with the first-team in Dubai.
Despite it being his first outing on the hallowed Ibrox turf, he showed little sign of nerves and was keen to surge forward and get crosses away from the off.
Patterson, who was praised by Graeme Murty earlier in the season for having ‘elite-level’ traits, is yet to fully develop physically.
However, he showed a willingness to put himself about and lasted the full 90 minutes, helping the Gers record a clean sheet.
He earned rave reviews from the fans on the night and has since been recognised by the SPFL as the best right-back across all the Fourth Round matches.
It’s an excellent achievement which will hopefully provide another big confidence boost after what has been a whirlwind few weeks.
With James Tavernier out injured, it will be interesting to see whether or not Patterson will be retained in the squad for tonight’s clash against St Mirren.
Clearly, he did well against Stranraer, but now that it’s Premiership opposition travelling to Ibrox, Steven Gerrard may feel more comfortable plucking for a player with greater experience, for example, either Jon Flanagan or Matt Polster.
