Hutton makes ‘unbelievable’ Patterson prediction after ‘amazing’ Rangers teen news
Nathan Patterson could be the first-choice right-back for both Rangers and Scotland for the next decade, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Gers defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the teenager had an “unbelievable” opportunity to nail down an international place at this summer’s Euros.
Steve Clarke named Patterson, 19, among his 26-man squad last week.
It is the first time the teenager has been called up to the national side.
Hutton insisted Patterson would gain so much experience just from being in the squad for a major tournament.
However, he suggested the Rangers starlet could cement a place for the next 10 years and beyond.
“I was so happy for him, I genuinely was,” Hutton told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“I just think there’s an opportunity there to really have a position within that team for 10 years-plus if he wants. If his development continues to go the way it’s going, then I think it’s an area where they have been weak in recent years.
“I was really chuffed for him. He had a brilliant end to the season, it was just unfortunate with the Covid ban he missed the end of the season. The games that he played, he was a standout for one so young, playing in big ties.
“He’ll get unbelievable experience from this tournament. I mean, people go through their whole careers without an opportunity to play there. Just to be involved in it would be amazing, but I think he could play.
“People might look at me saying that and think, ‘there’s no chance’. I genuinely believe he can handle that big stage. He’s another guy that plays with no fear. Whether that’s because of his age, his upbringing at Rangers, whatever.
“I think it’s an area where there’s an opening within the Scotland team. There’s not many in the Scotland side, a lot of players are there on merit and they pick themselves at the minute. But that position, I think could be open for him.”
Patterson started eight times in 14 senior appearances for Rangers this season.
He netted his first goal against Royal Antwerp, while he also scored in the win over Cove Rangers.
In other news, Rangers are readying a multi-million bid for a 21-year-old “desperate” to join.