Connor Goldson’s admission today about Nathan Patterson on the surface seems like positive endorsement of a prize young talent at Ibrox, but dig a little deeper into what the defender said and there’s a touch of a challenge to his captain in there.

In none of what the 27-year said did he endorse the current incumbent of the RB position, saying only that Patterson is a brilliant young talent and the future of the club. Crucially, that he loves playing alongside him.

He didn’t even mention Tavernier.

We’re not trying to put a negative spin on a positive story, but we found it telling that Goldson at no point said anything about him being wonderful competition for the captain, and both would help raise each other’s game, or that Patterson would have to work hard to gain that shirt.

No, Goldson purely talked about the qualities of the 19-year old and how he was being recognised for the player he is.

True, the question asked directly about Patterson, but usually any topic involving either Patterson or Tavernier will involve the other as part of the debate/equation.

Not this time.

Tavernier is really under pressure to justify his place now – when even his best mate on the pitch doesn’t sound a ringing endorsement of him, you know he’s got to deliver.

It’s Patterson’s place to lose, really.