Connor Humm

Thu 30 December 2021 7:00, UK

Alan Hutton has admitted Nathan Patterson may want out of Rangers amid reported transfer interest from Everton.

The former Gers defender and Rangers TV pundit, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 20-year-old could have a “huge decision” to make if the Toffees come calling for his signature next month.

As reported by the Athletic last week (24 December), Everton have continued to track Patterson after failing in their efforts to sign him this summer.

The young defender would reportedly be open to discussing a move after being disappointed by his lack of game time at Ibrox.

Hutton admitted he understands why Patterson is growing frustrated in Glasgow.

Asked if there was anything Rangers could do to keep Patterson happy, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “By playing him. That’s exactly where we’re getting to at the moment.

“I mean, I do feel sorry for him. He’s got a difficult job to displace Tavernier who’s the captain, who regularly plays well and assists and scores goals.

“It’s a difficult one but for Patterson to get to the next stage of his career, he has to play football games. It doesn’t surprise me that he is getting upset.

“I can only feel for him as if I was in his shoes. I would be the exact same, I would just want to play games.

“He is not getting the game time at right-back. He has played at left-back and he has played one up in front of Tavernier. That’s not where he’s going to get any better. He needs to learn his position, he’s still young.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the likes of Everton do come in for him. If it’s a substantial fee, then there’s a big decision to be made.

“It’s a huge decision coming up for the football player and for the club.”

Patterson has started just six times in 11 appearances for Rangers this season.

He has played five times in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s nine games in charge.

In other news, Scottish pundit makes “nightmare” Rangers claim as Celtic handed major boost by SPFL.