Ally McCoist backs Nathan Patterson for Euros call-up
The former Rangers striker says the full-back can also benefit from the patient treatment Manchester City gave Phil Foden
Last updated 12th Apr 2021
Rangers hero Ally McCoist says Nathan Patterson has done enough to earn a spot in Scotland's Euro 2020 squad.
The 19-year old has thrived while deputising for the injured James Tavernier at right-back in recent weeks, with calls being made for him to break into the international setup.
Asked if the youngster should be in with a shout of making the squad, McCoist said:
"I certainly would. We've got to pick our best players. It's as simple as that.
"At this moment in time it certainly looks as if Patterson could be part of that squad.
"The first things you look for are if he is comfortable, if he looks out of place or does he play his normal game - and he ticks all those boxes.
"He's still very young and he's still got a long way to go and it looks as if he has a very bright future ahead of him, but I wouldn't have any problems throwing him into that squad".
Steven Gerrard will face a dilemma next season with James Tavernier expected to be back to full fitness soon and also signing a new deal.
Patterson could find himself back on the Rangers bench, but Ally McCoist says Manchester City have shown patience isn't a bad thing when developing young players.
He said: "Timing is everything. You look at somebody like Phil Foden down the road.
"Everybody was complaining last year that he wasn't getting enough game time.
"Pep Guardiola took his time with him and all of a sudden he's now been phenomenal.
"He has been managed and coached perfectly. I think Patterson will be the same.
"Whether he plays every week if Tavernier is fit is definitely up for debate. I wouldn't have thought so.
"But I don't think for a minute that he won't be managed very carefully".
Ahead of the Old Firm cup clash newly-crowned champions Rangers are 20 points clear of Celtic at the top of the Premiership and unbeaten in the league with a 100 per cent domestic record at Ibrox this season.
Asked about Celtic's interim boss John Kennedy's claim that "on our day we are still the best team in the country,'' based on the previous two Glasgow derbies this season which ended in a narrow Rangers win and a draw, McCoist said: "I get what he is saying, I totally understand and I am not going to criticise John for saying it.
"I take his point. I thought Celtic played well at Ibrox, the game at Celtic Park, I thought a draw was a fair result.
"But the way Rangers have won the league you would have to say Rangers are the best team in the country.
"Forget about level of performance in the Old Firm game, it is just about the result.
"If you can win the game and throw in a good performance you are ecstatic.''
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“Ally McCoist was speaking to promote coverage of Rangers v Celtic exclusively live on Premier Sports this Saturday from 3pm. Premier Sports is available on Sky, Virgin TV and the Premier Player. Prices start from £10.99 per month.”