Following Nathan Patterson’s stellar debut for Scotland, admittedly versus the mere Luxembourg, nevertheless the 19-year old has confirmed himself by some distance Scotland’s best right back and a surefire starter this summer for Steve Clarke’s side over the mediocre Stephen O’Donnell.

But the youngster’s outstanding display creates a more pertinent issue, and that’s next season at Ibrox.

There’s an issue here, and it’s stark:

Patterson simply cannot be James Tavernier’s deputy any more, and Steven Gerrard will well be aware of the ‘problem’ he now has.

The Auchenhowie graduate has been completely outstanding for club and country since he broke through, and while his accelerated prominence was his fortune due to Tavernier’s injury, it only gave him the platform to show what he can do.

And now he’s done it for his country, his club, and both domestically and on the European table.

Put simply, whatever Stevie comes up with, he’s going to have to find a way of selecting Patterson.

This isn’t Greg Docherty, or Jamie Murphy or even Jordan Jones, who were all popular with fans but were more cult figures than proven quality.

This is Patterson who has played at all levels now and is a stick on to represent his nation this summer.

What Stevie does is up to him, and is why he’s paid the big bucks, but Patterson will surely not stay at Ibrox beyond next winter if he’s not playing.

This kid has all the potential in the world.

What a dilemma!