McLeish delighted by what he’s heard about Patterson plan at Rangers
Alex McLeish has applauded Giovanni van Bronckhorst for playing Nathan Patterson in a wide attacking role since arriving at Rangers.
The former Gers boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the experience would only help the 20-year-old build his versatility and skill set.
Speaking at his press conference on Monday (29 November), Van Bronckhorst explained his plan to play Patterson in a more advanced role after bringing him on against Sparta Prague and Livingston.
The young right-back replaced Ianis Hagi on the right wing in both games, with the manager revealing he wanted to remain “defensively solid” down the flank.
McLeish insisted the experience of playing further up the pitch would help, rather than hamper, the young defender.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I don’t think will his hamper his career in any way. I think it’s good experience for him.
“It’s also great that the manager can use his versatility to good effect. Again, different managers come in, they have different strategies, different ideas and that’s one of them.
“Let’s be honest, you can see Patterson playing in a wing-back rule as well. It’s not going to do him any harm being further forward a wee bit. Learning that part of the game in the forward areas.
“I always believe it’s great for players to be versatile. To have a bigger awareness of different positions on the pitch.”
Patterson has played eight times across all competitions for Rangers this season.
He was left as an unused substitute for Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Hibernian.
In other news, pundit predicts Rangers facing another ‘Billy Gilmour’ exit amid Ibrox reveal.