Rangers have received a boost as Nathan Patterson returned to training ahead of the Europa League clash against Standard Liege.
The Gers are hoping to secure progression to the Round of 32 and to push towards winning Group D with a victory over the Belgian side at Ibrox on Thursday night.
Steven Gerrard provided a squad update on Wednesday, during which he labelled Ryan Jack a ‘major doubt’ before giving more positive news on Joe Aribo and Brandon Barker [Rangers FC Twitter].
He didn’t mention Nathan Patterson, but he featured in a training gallery shared by the club in the evening, so it appears that he will be available after missing the last three matches.
The 19-year-old defender was forced to self-isolate ahead of the home Premiership clash against Aberdeen last month, after being identified as a close contact of a Scotland U21s teammate who had tested positive for Covid-19.
As a result, he was absent for the Dons game, the Europa League clash against Benfica and the trip to Falkirk in the League Cup at the weekend, a tie in which he would have played had he been available.
James Tavernier captains the side and has been in outstanding form this season, so starting opportunities will be few and far between for Patterson.
However, he’s an exciting prospect and the only specialist right-back cover in the senior group, so it’s a boost to have him back available for selection.
Prior to his isolation period, Patterson had made the matchday squad for five of Rangers’ six European fixtures, playing 48 minutes in a qualifier against Lincoln Red Imps.
Brandon Barker could also be spotted in the training gallery, with the winger appearing to quickly shake off the ankle knock that led to his substitution in just the 26th minute at the weekend.
