Rangers star Nathan Patterson is giving Ibrox captain James Tavernier a run for his money at right-back and now the talented teenager is making the Scotland berth his own.
The wing-back has been the understudy of Ibrox hero Tav over the last few years and you can see that in the direct, confident and potent option the player provides on the right.
Heading into Euro 2020 there were many calls to instate Patterson into the right-back Scotland berth but Stephen O’Donnell – a valiant campaigner for Steve Clarke – retained the spot.
However, Patterson now appears to have made the right-back slot his own and alongside Billy Gilmour is a shining beacon of what is an increasingly positive Scotland future.
The national side has for decades been in doldrums with the Scotland talent never really harnessed and campaigns of glorious failure failing to herald any kind of tournament.
This time around, Scotland appear a closer-knit unit, a more potent force with distinct quality throughout and a unified approach not seen at Hampden in many a year.
Patterson – who deposed Tavernier at Ibrox for the 2-1 win over Hibs – looks like he’s going to be central to that progress with Scotland as he aims to cement that right-back spot.
Nathan Patterson laying claim to right-back with Rangers and Scotland
At Rangers, the stunning whipped ball into the back-post got the Gers level against Hibs as Kemar Roofe nodded home with the pressure starting to build.
With Scotland, the progress Patterson has made is evident and the player’s maturity shone through as the Tartan Army stole a last-minute winner in a 3-2 classic against Israel.
Despite having a disappointing first half, Nathan rallied in the second to put in a top performance indicative of his progress and ability.
The 19-year-old didn’t let his stumbling first half showing affect him and this shows a mental fortitude which can help the youngster reach the top of the game.
Rangers held off summer interest from the likes of Premier League Everton in the full-back – up to the tune of £8m reportedly – and already that figure looks minuscule.
Comparisons with ex-Celtic star Kieran Tierney may be premature but not insignificant, the left-back leaving our Old Firm rivals for Arsenal in a £25m deal.
Even the most ardent bluenose will admit there’s still a wee bit to go before Nathan justifies that tag but as Patterson lays down a marker for club and county, it’s a stark reminder that he’s definitely capable of it.
The player’s performance certainly caught the eye with these fans delighted at Patterson’s contribution to the Scotland World Cup Qualifying success.