Promising Rangers full-back Nathan Patterson has responded after being asked whether not he has ever considered leaving Ibrox on loan [Glasgow Times].
The 19-year-old made his senior debut for the Gers in a Scottish Cup clash against Stranraer in January 2020 and was permanently promoted to the first-team ahead of the current season.
He’s the second choice right-back at the club but the outstanding performances of captain James Tavernier have ensured his playing time has been very limited.
So far this season, he’s only seen 138 minutes of action, with 20 of them coming as a substitute in Saturday’s 5-0 win over Ross County.
He’s not frustrated with his situation, though, and he hasn’t considered leaving the club he supports and first joined as a young boy.
“It’s obviously great knowing you have the backing from the coaching staff and especially the gaffer,” he said [Glasgow Times]. “So it’s obviously just about making sure you’re ready when the opportunity comes your way.”
“I’m always making sure I give myself the best chance.
“[Going out on loan] is not something that has ever crossed my mind. I’m just focused on being at this club.”
Patterson has spoken passionately about the club in the past and Rangers supporters will no doubt be delighted with his continued determination to stay at Ibrox and fight for his place.
Loan moves bring benefits in terms of regular playing time for talented youngsters trying to make their mark in the senior game.
Yet, as players like Greg Docherty found out, good performances elsewhere don’t always increase your chances of featuring upon your return to Ibrox.
What’s more, by staying with the Gers, Patterson can learn on a daily basis when coming up against the likes of Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe in training.
He impressed in his cameo outing at the weekend and if he keeps grafting away in the background and Rangers get the league sewn up early, more chances should come his way at the back end of the campaign.
A promising youngster who did opt to head out on loan earlier this month has vowed to kick on over the rest of the season after picking up valuable tips from Jermain Defoe.
