Calvin’s got a lot of Patter
Rice: Dons kid is chip off young block led by Gers’ Nathan
The former Hamilton boss watched the 18-year-old add to his growing reputation with an stellar display in last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Motherwell.
Ramsay has been Stephen Glass’ first-choice right-back since the start of the season.
And Rice believes he’s a real talent given his pace, attacking desire and top-level delivery – just like Rangers and Scotland star Patterson.
He said: “Attacking wise, Calvin reminds me so much of Patterson. He’s really good going forward and he was excellent against Motherwell.
“He’s good on the ball with both feet. He has great energy, his deliveries are excellent and he has a real confidence despite being relatively young.
“Calvin always wants to take the game to the opposition. He reminds me so much of Patterson, even to his looks and his build. It really is incredible, certainly in my eyes.
“I can see why people are raving about him. I have only seen him a couple of times this season but Saturday was his best performance.”
Both Ramsay and Patterson have been linked with Premier League side Everton but there are already far bigger teams than the Toffees keeping a keen eye on the Dons youngster.
Rice is in no doubt the teenager’s rapid rise won’t have gone unnoticed.
He knows that from his time at Accies and the interest that has followed talented 19-yearold defender Jamie Hamilton.
Rice said: “There is no fear in the young lad Ramsay. He just wants to run at players and get at defences. That is fair play to Stephen for giving him the licence to express himself. He is only 18 and there looks to be massive improvement to come.
“The young boy looks to have a massive future in the game if he keeps progressing the way he has. There will be big clubs looking at him.”
New Scotland Under-21 cap Ramsay may be a defender but he has all the attributes to be a threat in the other box, as far as Chipper sees it.
Rice added: “People have said to me he has been really consistent this season. The more games and exposure he gets, the better and better he will get.
“He is positive and that is massive for any player. He goes across and takes corners. He has great deliveries and that’s a great thing to have in your locker, especially as a modern full-back. “There are a lot of full-backs whose delivery isn’t great but last Saturday Ramsay’s crossing was exceptional.” Rice admits it could be a fruitful time for Scottish football with Patterson just a year older. If all goes to plan, it could mirror Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney’s current fight for the slot on the opposite side in the national team. For that to happen, both need regular top-flight football. Patterson has seen his pathway stall slightly with James Tavernier now fit again for Steven Gerrard but Rice knows Ramsay could embark on a lengthy run of first-team games in the Granite City.
Rice said: “First-team football for these lads is the key.
“It is finding a way of getting young players in the team and keeping them in. You need to take that platform to give them the chance to develop.
“Steven will be desperate to get Patterson in his team, there is no doubt about that, because he will know what a great talent he is.
“The problem they have is that Tavernier is the Rangers captain and he has been one of the top performers in Scotland in recent seasons.
“The good thing for Ramsay is he is in the team.
“And if he keeps playing the way he has, he will continue to play week in, week out.”