OUR FANS LOVE THE GLASGOW PATTER G PLAYIN GERS RULES BY THE
Punters love home-grown players to support and Gerrard tips Patterson to be next Ibrox star born in the city
Steven Gerrard knows the importance of having a homegrown hero. After all, he was one.
At Liverpool he was the Huyton Street kid who made it from the Kop to the Anfield pitch – and went on to l i f t the Champions League trophy as captain of the club.
Gerrard was a product of the club’s Melwood Academy, given his chance by Gerard Houllier just over 22 years ago.
Getting that opportunity meant everything to him.
But he’s also aware of what it meant to the supporters he used to stand beside, to see one of their own pull on that famous red shirt.
That feeling is still with him as a gaffer.
And it’s why he’s so keen to see Ibrox youngster Nathan Patterson shine in a Rangers jersey as he starts his career.
The 19-year-old right-back was given his first European start by Gerrard in the 2-0 Europa League victory over Lech Poznan on
Thursday night. The Glasgowborn kid has the toughest task of any player at the club – trying to displace free- scoring Ibrox skipper James Tavernier.
But Gerrard has high hopes for him. And even in this season, with all the pressure of trying to win a title, his manager won’t hesitate to use him.
When he came through the Liverpool ranks, it wasn’t just his ability that got him noticed.
It was his attitude and application as well.
It’s the same with Patterson at Rangers.
And Gerrard wants a young Scot in h i s squad who fans can identify with.
The Ibrox gaffer said: “I’m someone who came from an academy and I had a connection with a local , homegrown crowd at Liverpool. “So I know what the fans want and I’m aware of what young, homegrown players wish for in terms of their dreams and ambitions.
“I want to put young Scottish talent into this group. But they have to play their part as well. “It’s OK saying that the academy is full of this and that. But is it? The quest ion for me is this: Is the academy full of talent? “Because talent isn’t enough. We need players who have the full package.
“Nathan certainly has that potential.
“Not only is he a talent but he’s hard working and humble.
“His application every day is superb and he’s a good kid. He’s respectful and wants to learn.
“And he’s ready. There are a lot of pieces that have to go around the talent.”
With Rangers clear of Celtic at the top of the Premiership table, Gerrard could strengthen his squad further in January.
But he won’t be signing a new right-back to challenge Tavernier.
And that ’ s all down to Patterson’s progress.
He’s convinced that by working alongside the captain and others every day, the youngster will be ready if required.
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“And when called on we have every confidence in him.
“People need to understand what Nathan is getting in terms of being around guys like Tav and Connor Goldson.
“He’s competing against Ryan Kent, Brandon Barker, Greg Stewart, Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi every day.
“He’s getting an education that people don’t see.
“His performance on Thursday shows that he’s ready. Of course, he’s still learning and he’s a little bit raw.
“But I love that enthusiasm and the adrenalin that was pumping out of his body.
“We’ve high hopes of a big future for Nathan.” Patterson is part of a well-oiled machine at Ibrox, a team that are two years in the ma k i n g . T h e i r d i sma nt l ing of
Poznan in midweek – hav ing made seven changes – was mightily impressive as they qualified as Europa group winners ahead of Benfica.
Gerrard will take most of the credit for their success so far but he’s quick to praise the backroom team he put together after taking the Rangers job.
In particular, he hailed Michael Beale who takes most of the day - to- day coaching at Auchenhowie.
Gerrard believes Beale, who has worked at Liverpool, Chelsea and Sao Paulo in Brazil, is one of his best signings yet.
He said: “Mick has been fantastic for us and is one of my best signings for sure.
“He’s so important to me, to us and to the club. He’s got incredible experience for where he’s at in his own career.
“But he plays an important role within our staff team. When I was offered this role I had to put
the right people in the right places to support me. “Mick, Gary McAllister, Tom Cu l shaw, Jordan Milsom, Colin Stewart, my analysts and everyone around me are doing a brilliant job. That allows me to do what I do.
“In terms of the confidence we have in the players, we’ve always believed in t hem. It wa s always going to take time to build this, with all the changes and what we’ve needed to go through to get to this point.
“The challenge for us all now is to work even ha r d e r a nd keep pushing e a c h ot h e r more to maintain it.”