Rangers boss Steven Gerrard leapt to the defence of young asset Nathan Patterson in the wake of an SFA ban, praising the player’s ability in the process.
In fawning comments, the Ibrox gaffer suggested that any prospective four-match ban at this juncture of the teenager’s development could hamper his growth as a leading right-back.
Not only that, but Gerrard pointed to press comparisons with George Edmundson and Jordan Jones potentially influencing the six-match suspension offered by the SFA, which took place after Patterson was found to be breaching Covid-19 protocols alongside four other Ibrox teammates in February.
Rangers have appealed the bans and are awaiting the hearing date – but is something else Gerrard alluded to suggestive of the prime asset Rangers have in their hands with the Scotland kid?
Here’s what the Ibrox gaffer said [Glasgow Times]:
“I’m not too happy over that and I’m not sure Steve Clarke will be very happy as well.
“Because, unfortunately, he’s going to have a big ban now.
“Nathan is growing and growing. It’s a shame that he’s going to miss games moving forward.
“(The appeal) is something we’re still discussing at the moment. We’re in talks with the SFA over a date.
“The reason for the appeal is we think it’s harsh in terms of what went on on the night.
“I think everyone assumes because of what happened with Jordan Jones and George Edmundson that everything is the same, which isn’t the case.
“We don’t think everything has been taken into consideration when you are talking about the boys in terms of age and how damaging it could be for them in their careers moving forward now.
“You’re talking about one of the brightest prospects ever in terms of right-back. This kid is going to go and play for Scotland and all of a sudden the SFA wants to ban him for that long. I don’t get it.”
The key takeaway – other than links to Scotland boss Steve Clarke and criticism of the SFA ban – is those “brightest prospect ever” comments by the Ibrox gaffer.
According to Gerrard, Patterson is amongst the best right-backs the nation has ever produced which is huge praise from a former footballer who knows the top level of the game.
Rangers’ biggest ever transfer fee received is £9m – for Academy product Alan Hutton who’d go on to have a distinguished career down south.
Hutton himself has even said Patterson is more developed now than he was at his age in comments which suggest the 19-year-old is more than a touch on even him.
Other comparisons which could be drawn with Patterson come from across the city where Celtic raked in £25m from Arsenal for Kieran Tierney, a fellow Scottish full-back who was signposted as a major talent from a young age.
Patterson might be some four years the junior of the ex-Parkhead full-back but Gerrard’s comments suggest that this Gers kid is very much on the same pathway of the Scotland international.
The debate and fight over the SFA bans may well continue but it’s clear that Rangers could have a majorly valuable talent on their hands if Patterson continues to show his ability on the Ibrox stage.
Patterson was once again an asset for the Ibrox side as they dumped Cove Rangers 4-0 to set up a Scottish Cup clash with Celtic in a fortnight.
