Patterson focused on maintaining momentum

NATHAN PATTERSON’S rise to prominence has been as swift as one of the right-back’s trademark darting runs down the wing. But even at 19 years old, he is wise enough to realise that he will need to keep his feet firmly on the ground to make sure his prospects continue to soar. Patterson has become an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s squad since making his Rangers debut against Stranraer at Ibrox in January 2020, and has broken into the Scotland set-up under Steve Clarke, making his debut in a friendly against Luxembourg in June before featuring against Croatia in the delayed 2020 European Championship. Everton were reported to have made an unsuccessful £8million bid for the former Rangers youth player in the summer while Manchester United have been linked this week but Patterson (right), while admitting the past year or so has ‘just been amazing’, is focusing only on improvement on the pitch. He said: ‘Yes, that was obviously nice to see that teams are interested but I am only interested in playing football. ‘That’s the stuff that comes with it and I am not really aware of anything that happens. I just go on the pitch and do my thing and let the outside talk. ‘You need to keep your feet grounded and just focus on your football and that’s what I have been doing. ‘In football, you have media everywhere now, and you have everyone’s opinions. ‘Sometimes you just need to block that out and focus on yourself, surround yourself with the right people and I feel as if I have done that. ‘I have been working really hard with all the coaches that have been helping me along the way and any time I get the opportunity I need to make sure I am ready to prove myself. ‘I feel as if I have done that but I need to keep pushing on and hopefully get more opportunities.’ Patterson hopes to get the nod against Israel at Hampden tomorrow before the Scots travel to the Faroe Islands on Tuesday. ‘They are massive games,’ said Patterson. ‘We hope we can get the results we need.’