The case gets stronger with each passing game.
Once again yesterday, Nathan Patterson showed that he has the temperament, ability and application to play at the top level.
In the absence of his captain James Tavernier, Steven Gerrard trusted the teenager to deliver in the Old Firm clash and what a performance Patterson produced.
On BBC Sportscene last night, the question was asked if he should be given the call up to Steve Clarke’s senior Scotland squad for Euro 2020.
Presenter Jonathan Sutherland posed that one to former Rangers and Scotland right-back Alan Hutton, who responded emphatically, “It’s a simple yes for me.”
Does Nathan Patterson deserve a place in Scotland's Euros squad? 🤔
It's a 'simple yes' from Alan Hutton 🏴⤵️#BBCSportscene pic.twitter.com/RmxbI4q5Dr
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) April 19, 2021
It is fitting that Hutton was providing this latest endorsement to Patterson, given the similarities of the latter to the former.
A direct, aggressive stride was once of the hallmarks of Hutton’s game that won him his move to the the Premier League with Spurs in January 2008 – once again we saw that same attribute from Patterson in both halves of the Scottish Cup clash at Ibrox.
Development
His second half error almost proved to be costly, as he provided a clear cut chance for Celtic to score only for Mohamed Elyounoussi to fluff his lines at the big moment.
It showed that the 19-year old Rangers academy graduate is still raw with plenty to learn as well as displaying an understandable youthful inexperience, at times.
His full craft will be honed in good time and he also has an excellent role model in Tavernier to look up to.
As for the Euros and Steve Clarke’s squad – Patterson is good enough now – never mind potential for the future and is more than worthy of a place in the final squad.