It wasn’t that long ago that Rangers players made up the majority of Scotland squads now, we have to make do with those like Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour who came through our ranks.
The two Auchenhowie graduates spent years together at the training ground but are now experiencing different fortunes in the Premier League.
After breaking through at Rangers as a teenager and becoming the club’s record sale at the time, Nathan Patterson now faces a decision and the criticism he has faced after Scotland’s loss to Northern Ireland might lead him down a certain path.
Rangers exit hasn’t gone to plan for Nathan Patterson
There is a recurring theme with Scotland recently.
If Ryan Jack plays and Scotland lose, it’s his fault.
Against the Netherlands, it was John Souttar.
And now, after making a mistake in the lead up to Northern Ireland’s goal, it’s Patterson’s turn to be the scapegoat.
I wonder what the connection could be…….?
Patterson should have done better but, when he made the initial tackle in the box and had two opposition players close him down, at least one of his teammates should have helped him out.
Jack Hendry, who was closest, just stood and watched as Patterson looked for someone to pass to.
Football, after all, is a team game.
Speaking before the game, Nathan Patterson is clearly frustrated with his lack of minutes since leaving Rangers, particularly under Sean Dyche:
“Obviously, I’m not playing as much as I would have liked but, sometimes, that’s just football and I’m not the type of person who’ll just give up.
“I’ll keep training hard, keep working hard, make sure I give myself the best opportunity.”
The best bet, is for him to go out on loan – or a return to Rangers.
He still has a long-term contract at Everton and, you never know, if there is a change of manager, he might give him more minutes.
Other than his mistake, Patterson was fine.
Put it this way, players like Ryan Christie, John McGinn and Lyndon Dykes got off lightly as they lost possession, created nothing and offered even less.
Steve Clarke will also be content with someone else taking the brunt of the blame.
With 80% possession, was it really Nathan Patterson’s fault Scotland got beat?
