Agbonlahor: Patterson may push for Rangers exit after big development
Nathan Patterson may look to quit Rangers this summer, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward delivered his verdict after the defender was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time.
Patterson is one of three uncapped players called up by Steve Clarke for this summer’s European Championships.
It follows his breakthrough season at Ibrox where the 19-year-old made 14 appearances, including eight starts, across all competitions.
He was handed an opportunity when captain James Tavernier suffered an injury in February.
Asked whether a potential taste of international football may mean Patterson looks to leave Ranger to play regular football, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “100 per cent.
“You have to be realistic at times as well. Going back, look at Kyle Walker and Kyle Naughton at Spurs, Kyle Naughton had to leave because he had Walker in front of him.
“Sometimes when there’s a better right-back in front of you, you’ve got to make that decision.
“Even if you don’t want to leave that club you have to think ‘Do I want to be a sub? Or, do I want to play games?’
“Someone like Tavernier doesn’t get injured often. If I was him, I’d definitely be looking at making a move.”
Patterson has represented Scotland at various age-group levels but his call-up to the senior squad came as a slight surprise.
However, Chris Sutton told BT Sport he is a huge admirer of the youngster and his selection was “far from a gamble” despite his lack of experience.
In other news, Ipswich Town are readying a big-money offer for a Rangers star in Ibrox contract talks.