Stevie makes final decision on Nathan Patterson
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Luke Nickerson/Rangers FC/Shutterstock 11862582ar Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard and Rangers Defender Nathan Patterson high five at the end of the match Rangers v Celtic, William Hill Scottish Cup, Fourth Round, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, UK - 18 Apr 2021 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Rangers v Celtic, William Hill Scottish Cup, Fourth Round, Football, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, UK - 18 Apr 2021 EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xLukexNickerson/RangersxFC/Shutterstockx 11862582ar
Steven Gerrard has confirmed James Tavernier will remain first choice RB for the foreseeable future despite Nathan Patterson’s progress, after announcing the captain as the best RB in Scotland.
The ex-Wigan man’s rasping stunning dipping pearler sealed this one for the Famous, but after the youngster’s emergence in recent months many fans have wondered if he would in any way usurp the captain.
But Gerrard, as always, remained loyal to Tavernier and confirmed he will remain in slot as well as proclaiming him the best in his position.
“That’s the reason why he’s captain. Because of his quality, he can step up in big moments and he’s got us three points rather than one today. There’s obviously been a lot of noise around Nathan Patterson, who’s a fantastic player and is eventually going to be Rangers’ top right-back for a long time. But we have to remember we’ve got the best right-back in Scotland as well.”
Now, this means quite a lot – Stevie has now clearly confirmed Tavernier will not be dumped for anyone, and he is also categorical that Tavernier is a superior player to Patterson at present.
He also announces Patterson will be Tavernier’s successor in time.
However, Patterson clearly isn’t going to sit with that – he will not tolerate a full season on the bench and Rangers may well lose the opportunity for him to be our RB in future.
But Gerrard is clear.
And that’s that.