Patterson in Scotland squad ‘on merit’ says Rangers sporting director Wilson

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 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 for the Ibrox side.

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

Wilson, however, has no doubt Patterson 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.

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