McCoist backing Ibrox teenager for the Euros

Ally McCoist is unequivocal in his belief that Nathan Patterson should be in the Scotland squad for the European Championship.

The 19-year-old Rangers right-back has impressed since emerging as understudy to James Tavernier and has performed well in the recent games that the skipper has missed through injury.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has stuck by rightbacks Stephen O’Donnell of Motherwell and Liam Palmer of Sheffield Wednesday and said recently of Patterson: “We must give him time to settle in and see how his career goes. But he’s a big player for the future, that’s for sure.”

However, former Scotland and Rangers striker and Ibrox manager McCoist believes the time is right for a Patterson call-up.

He said: “I just think in certain areas we have to pick our best players, it is

as simple as that, and at this moment in time Patterson looks as though he could be part of the squad.

“He is still very young and has a long way to go but I certainly wouldn’t have any problems throwing him into that squad.

“If Patterson continues to play and shows the form he has for Rangers I think he would get in, yes.

“But it is are even discussion. down with to make.” great that we having this Steve will sit big decisions

Nathan Patterson.