Nathan Patterson was on media duties for Scotland this week and yet the main line of questioning he faced was about the summer interest in him from the Premier League.
Everton were said to have had an £8million bid rejected, however, his inclusion in the starting XI against Hibs proves that Steven Gerrard has absolute faith in the young defender.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Patterson, when asked about the interest, is intent on focussing only on his next game, whether that be in navy, or light blue:
“Yes, that was obviously nice to see that teams are interested but I am only interested in playing football. 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.
“Sometimes you just need to block that out and focus on yourself, surround yourself with the right people and I feel as if I have done that. I have a good group of friends, good team-mates and family also who keep pushing me on to do well.
“I have been working really hard with all the coaches that have been helping me along the way and any time I get the opportunity I need to make sure I am ready to prove myself.
“I feel as if I have done that but I need to keep pushing on and hopefully get more opportunities.
“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.”
It’s Sod’s Law that our best academy prospect since Barry Ferguson plays the same position as our captain and one of our best players, he will have to prove himself day in, day out for every chance that he gets but if he continues to demonstrate that he has what it takes – as he did against fellow hot prospect, Josh Doig – then Tavernier will have to get used to watching from the sidelines.
Ideally, we’d all love to see Patterson stay at Rangers for his whole career but it’s just not going to happen, he is the perfect modern full-back capable of contributing at both ends of the park and some of the teams that are credited with an interest have very deep pockets.
Enjoy him while you can.