MX23RW : Thursday, December 19 07:22:25| >> :600:104358:104358:

Rangers chief insists Nathan Patterson Scotland call-up was based "on merit"

Rangers chief insists Nathan Patterson Scotland call-up was based
© Reuters
Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said: "Everybody can see just how high-potential Nathan is."

Nathan Patterson has been handed a Scotland call-up for the European Championship "on merit", according to Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson.

The 19-year-old Gers defender has been named in Steve Clarke's 26-man squad for this summer's finals despite having registered just 16 first-team run outs.

Seven of those appearances and have come off the bench but Clarke appears to have no issue with his lack of experience after backing Gers boss Steven Gerrard's assessment of Patterson's stellar potential.

But the news has not gone down well with St Johnstone fans, who saw their Betfred Cup final hero Shaun Rooney miss out on a maiden call after an impressive season despite having chalked up almost 250 career appearances.

Light Blues chief Wilson, however, has no doubt the 19-year-old will prove his worth to the national team next month.

Wilson told RangersTV: "We are delighted that Nathan has been called up.

"Obviously there has been a bit of speculation about how Steve Clarke will treat the additional places that he had in the squad. There has been a few injuries as well.

"We think Nathan is there on merit. There's no question of that in our mind.

"I think everybody can see just how high-potential Nathan is when he has played for Rangers already.

"We're delighted for him, we're proud of him. I know his family will be overjoyed with this as well.

"Steven spoke to him (on Wednesday) morning to give him the news. I think he was just out of bed, mind you. But hopefully it has sunk in.

"I know how proud his mum and dad will be and I'm delighted for Nathan too."

Rangers' back-up goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin will also join up with Clarke's group.

McLaughlin was number two to SPFL player of the year Allan McGregor but still posted 12 clean sheets in 14 appearances during Gers' triumphant march to the Premiership title.

He will head to Euro 2020 as cover for David Marshall and Craig Gordon but Wilson insists the national team will be in safe hands if McLaughlin is called on for duty.

"We're absolutely delighted," he added. "Jon's place, for us anyway, was absolutely clear.

"He's a top goalkeeper and will do the national team proud any time the Jon is called upon, as he has done for Rangers as well.

"He's been fantastic in all of his appearances here."

ID:448437: cacheID:448437:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:4309:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard pictured on May 2, 2021
Read Next:
SFA slams Rangers fans' behaviour during title celebrations
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic1514104444043
2Aberdeen16104230181234
3RangersRangers1510232791832
4Motherwell168172226-425
5Dundee UnitedDundee Utd166642519624
6St Mirren176382228-621
7Dundee165472729-219
8Kilmarnock174581834-1617
9Hibernian173682129-815
10Ross County173681333-2015
11St Johnstone1742112032-1214
12Hearts1734101826-813


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!