As Rangers defeated Hibernian 2-1 at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership over the weekend, one hotly anticipated on-pitch battle failed to disappoint.
The Ibrox side might’ve failed to really get out of second gear but the Gers secured three points as they prepare to go into next week’s Scottish Cup clash with Celtic next weekend.
Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson, 19, has found himself at the centre of a ban storm as one of the Covid Five amid an appeal that will see him available for the clash.
Celtic – the club who hung out the flag of war – are now upset that a teenager could face off against them at Ibrox.
But perhaps that’s a testament to how good that teenager is, with Nathan Patterson once again a stand-out performer for Rangers at Ibrox.
The full-back was set to go up against Hibs talent and opposite number Josh Doig, the 18-year-old left-back amongst the brightest talents in Scottish football.
The full-throttle clash between the pair was one of the most interesting subplots in the match and Steven Gerrard touched on it come full time.
“I thought Nathan was outstanding today. If it wasn’t for Fil Helander I thought he’d probably have been in contention for man of the match,” said Gerrard [Rangers].
“I was fascinated with that battle down our right-hand side. I thought Nathan was really good. I think Doig is a good player again with huge potential.
“Both lads put in a real strong shift, I thought Nathan just edged it I must say.
“He will be the more pleased out of the two.
“But Hibs have got a real good player on their hands. But it was a real good battle, it was fascinating.
“I enjoyed it. Two honest kids with huge potential and the future is looking bright for Scotland in terms of full-backs because I think those two have got real big chances of going all the way.”
It’s high praise indeed for both players from the legendary Liverpool midfielder and former England captain, who certainly knows a good player when he sees one.
The fact he believes Patterson edged the game is also further evidence of what a magnificent talent the Gers have on their hands.
Especially when you consider transfer reports in the week which suggested four leading Premier League clubs in Leicester City, Man City, Arsenal, and Leeds [Scottish Sun] are interested in Doig.
Make no mistake, if Josh Doig is attracting teams of that calibre, then Rangers fans can be rest assured that Patterson is of at the very least a similar level and could go on to be a major player for the club.
So much so, that Rangers could well have a £25m+ asset in the making in the talented young Scottish full-back.
