Rangers talent Nathan Patterson has been dealt a further Covid-19 blow by the news that first choice Scotland full-back Stephen O’Donnell has been ruled out of an upcoming World Cup Qualifier.
The Motherwell star is the preferred option at right-back for the Scotland boss but O’Donnell has been denied entry into Denmark due to their stringent Covid-19 rules.
Local Danish restrictions mean that anyone who has recently tested positive for Covid-19 cannot enter the country even if they’ve recovered.
Whilst it isn’t clear when O’Donnell had the virus this comes as a major blow to Scotland who are already with Nathan Patterson due to Covid-19 issues.
This would’ve been a superb opportunity for the 19-year-old full-back to stake a claim for the Scotland jersey but the player is currently in self-isolation.
As far as Heart & Hand know, Patterson “doesn’t have Covid” but is self-isolating due to being a close contact of someone who has.
As a result of this, the player missed the weekend’s 1-0 Old Firm win over Celtic and will miss the clash with Denmark this evening.
Had he been available then this would’ve been a huge opportunity for the youngster and the situation is something of frustration to Scotland gaffer Steve Clarke.
“It’s a little bit of a curve ball,” said Clarke [BBC Scotland].
“It has caught us out a little bit. It’s just the way it is with the Covid restrictions and the rules. Different countries have different rules.
“We started with a squad of 26 and go to Denmark with 18 (including three goalkeepers).”
Nathan Patterson earned his maiden Scotland call up at Euro 2020 and made his debut in a pre-tournament friendly against Luxembourg before coming on against Croatia at the Euros.
Speaking of Patterson and his Covid-19 isolation, a Gers insider has rejected claims that this is why a Premier League club didn’t go beyond an £8m bid for the player.
