Rangers Nathan Patterson has spoken on reported interest in his services from Premier League heavy hitters Everton and Manchester United.
In another indication of the emergence of the Auchenhowie graduate, Patterson has also displayed maturity in being able to field questions on the matter.
Rangers treasured possession is now well and truly in the public eye, with admiring clubs across the UK and beyond casting admiring glances toward the 19-year old.
He was speaking from the Scotland camp in the build up to Steve Clarke’s team’s World Cup qualifiers against Israel (home) and Faroe Islands (away) on Saturday and Tuesday, respectively.
As reported by Sky Sports, the marauding full-back stated on the speculation:
“Yes, that was obviously nice to see that teams are interested but I am only interested in playing football.”
“That’s the stuff that comes with it and I am not really aware of anything that happens, I just go on the pitch and do my thing and let the outside talk.”
“You need to keep your feet grounded and just focus on your football and that’s what I have been doing.”
“In football you have media everywhere now, and you have everyone’s opinions.”
Maturity
Those words from Patterson are positive and encouraging – they show a young man who is learning, confident and self-aware of his environment as well as his own progress.
It is also pleasing that there is a visible maturity emerging, especially following incidents last season, to fasten the rapid growth on the pitch.
As for Steven Gerrard, he now has a very tough call to make, the very same one that was made last Sunday against Hibs.
The Rangers boss opted for Patterson, ahead of the club captain in a move that was about form and judgement as well as sending a message to his dressing room.
It is also a dilemma in player management as the young star is now too good to sit on the bench too often so what happens next?
Gerrard spoke of the need to manage the load on Tavernier, especially after a relative serious injury, but no doubt, form was part of the (right) call last week.
As Patterson continues to improve and his reputation grows, a big decision will need to be made – that dilemma is coming down the road.