Nathan Patterson, who was one of five Rangers players to recently breach Covid regulations, has been spotted back in first-team training as preparations were finalised for the Europa League Round of 32 second-leg clash against Royal Antwerp.
Patterson was one of three players, alongside Calvin Bassey and Bongani Zungu, to issue an apology for their behaviour on Wednesday [RangersTV].
Rangers also issued an update and it was confirmed that those involved had returned to Auchenhowie following a period of isolation.
It seems that Patterson, at least, went straight back into training with the first-team group, too.
That’s because although none of the players involved in the controversy feature in photos uploaded to the training gallery released by the club on social media, Patterson can be spotted in the background of the training video titled ‘UEL Preparations’.
He’s working in a pair in the back of the shot, possibly with 17-year-old defender Leon King, who made the Rangers matchday squad for Sunday’s 4-1 win over Dundee United at Ibrox in the Premiership.
It seems unlikely that Patterson will go straight back into the starting XI for the second leg against Antwerp so soon after a period of isolation and given how seriously the breach was treated by the club.
However, the 19-year-old could conceivably make the bench to provide cover at right-back, as with James Tavernier and Ryan Jack both already sidelined, if Leon Balogun picked up a knock, there would be no other obvious candidate to perform the role.
In a boost for Rangers, Royal Antwerp have been dealt a triple blow ahead of the game. Check out our Preview Video, here.
