Former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton says he is seeing some very promising signs in the development of young fullback Nathan Patterson.
The 19-year-old has been thrust into the limelight in recent matches, following the injury to captain James Tavernier, and Hutton thinks the youngster has not been phased by the experience:
“He looks so confident. He’s very aware of the space round about him defensively, which I’m really impressed by. He gets forward when he needs to and that attacking threat, that we know he does have, playing in the youth teams, will come as he grows into that position.”
Patterson made his first-team debut just over a year ago but he has had to be patient to get opportunities under manager Steven Gerrard. Up until the New Year, he had mostly been used as a substitute but he has made an impact in Tavernier’s absence.
He scored his first senior goal in the 5-2 win over Royal Antwerp late last month, and he has continued to show he is a capable fullback going forward.
However, as Hutton points, Patterson is aware of his defensive duties as well, and it is a testament to his ability that Rangers haven’t missed Tavernier as much as some had feared.
