Gough believes Nathan is a better defender than Tav
Nathan Patterson has already proved to Richard Gough that he’s the real deal, with an impressive 10-game streak deputising for the injured James Tavernier.
The 59-year-old, who began his career as a right-back, has identified the teenager as having superior defensive skills to the swashbuckling Gers skipper.
“The best compliment you can give Patterson is that the team never missed Tavernier. He looks very talented,” said Gough.
“That’s been such a bonus for Steven. If a bid comes in for Tavernier, they know they have a ready-made replacement.
“He’s been bold going forward, as a lot of young players are when they’re an unknown quantity to opponents.
“The second year is the challenge because people know what you do. Teams are more wary.
“So it depends how Patterson adapts to that.
“But the lad is tough, hard, quick about his work and doesn’t let crosses come in.
“Indeed, he looks like a better defender than Tavernier.”
The 29-year-old Yorkshireman recently extended his contract to 2024, and the future of the rightback position looks rock-solid with Patterson also in place.
The 6ft 2in prospect’s name has even been in the frame for a fasttrack promotion to Steve Clarke’s Euro 2020 squad.
However, failing to overturn his suspension for breaching Covid regulations means Patterson misses the chance to impress further in the post-split run-in.
Gough is sure a senior Scotland call-up is the next step, though, and that Patterson possesses all the confidence to take that in his stride.
He confesses to being unnerved when new to Jock Stein’s squad in 1983, and tipped to replace 62-times capped Danny McGrain.
But the Scotland right-back slot is currently wide open for a class act to claim long term.
Gough added: “It looks a bit of a jump to have nine starts for Rangers, and then be in for Scotland.
“But I always remember Paul McStay making his Scotland debut at 18, the same year I got my first cap at 20.
“So if you’re good enough, then fine. And you can see the confidence of Patterson.
“I remember replacing Danny McGrain, and being worried about that.
“Patterson is 19 – and he really doesn’t look troubled by anything at all.”