A WAITING GAME FOR PATTERSON
STEVEN GERRARD says Rangers knocked back multiple bids for Nathan Patterson during the transfer window. And the Ibrox boss insists Scotland’s rising star is in the ideal place to develop his career — even if he doesn’t force club captain James Tavernier out of the starting XI right away.
Everton reportedly had a final offer of £8million for Patterson rejected just before last week’s deadline.
The 19-year-old then impressed as he made his first Scotland start in the weekend win over Moldova at Hampden.
Although Gerrard describes him as a serious challenger to Tavernier, ten years older and vastly more experienced, it’s clear that the youngster may have to wait for a sustained run in the first team.
Asked about how he handles having both men contending for one place, the Rangers boss said: ‘A pretty loaded question... and I appreciate that Nathan’s a big interest to the media up here in Scotland.
‘He did do fantastically well, I watched the game, albeit it was against Moldova.
‘Don’t worry about his development — because he’s up against Ryan Kent most days. If he’s not up against Ryan Kent, he’s up against Scott Wright.
‘He’s got forwards like Jermain Defoe, Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos who are challenging him every minute of every training session. So Nathan will come through and be the No 1 right-back here at Rangers — when the time is right. He’s also ready now to compete for the jersey. He’s pushing James in every way he can.
‘I believe it is a challenge in every position because I have a loaded squad but that’s what will eventually make us even more successful than what we have been.
‘I have no doubt that Nathan is in the right place from a development point of view and, also, he’s a Rangers fan. He loves the club, he’s happy and settled.
‘He’s more than ready, albeit he’s had a kick this week and we’ll have to wait and see if he’s ready for tomorrow.’
Patterson (right) picked up a knock that prevented him from playing in Tuesday night’s huge World Cup win over Austria in Vienna. Widely predicted to become a mainstay for the national team over the coming years, the teenager is already on the radar of Premier League clubs.
Confirming that the interest had moved beyond simply keeping a watchful eye on a new face, Gerrard said: ‘We had some bids for Nathan that were way off his valuation in this recent window.
‘The reality is the valuations from me, Ross (Wilson, sporting director) and the board collectively, no one has hit those numbers.
‘But, from a selfish point of view sitting here, I am obviously happy in that situation.’
Asked if the Patterson bids were the only concrete offers made during the summer market, Gerrard said: ‘As far as I’m aware. I think that’s a question you’d have to ask Stewart Robertson (managing director) and Ross.
‘But the ones that I’m aware of, that were real, were for Nathan Patterson. In this window. You always want to keep the players that are going to give you the best chance of being successful moving forward. That is a bit selfish — but I also understand the other side of it and how the business works.
‘I was well prepared for my phone going at any given moment if the right bid had landed for a player and the board wanted to accept that. There wouldn’t have been any resistance as long as they were happy on their side.’
Rangers are getting closer to full strength as they head to Perth for a lunchtime clash with St Johnstone today, although the enforced isolation of Romanian international Ianis Hagi — who tested positive for Covid while on international duty — has ruled him out of a couple of games, at least.
Gerrard himself is thrilled to have been released from selfisolation after missing the Old Firm win at Ibrox just before the international break.
Revealing that he’d been stuck in bed suffering with symptoms during his time away, the former Liverpool and England great said: ‘It’s not ideal and not something I want to experience again.’
Admitting that Rangers expect Hagi to be out for 10 days from the date of his test, Gerrard added: ‘I spoke to him when I first heard the news. He didn’t have any symptoms at the time, which was good news. But I’m due a catchup with him within the next 24 hours, so I’ll know more then.’
■ Former Celtic defender Efe Ambrose has joined St Johnstone ahead of today’s visit of Rangers. The veteran Nigeria international had been without a club since leaving Livingston in the summer.