Last Friday Rangers took on Stranraer in the Scottish Cup. The 2-0 win was a comfortable one for the Gers, despiting a few headline starters missing from the lineup. Borna Barisic, Glen Kamara, James Tavernier, Alfredo Morelos and Connor Goldson were all missing from Steven Gerrard’s squad. Barisic has played 27 games this season, Kamara 29, Tavernier 35, Morelos 35 and Goldson 36 (transfermarkt.co.uk).
And while it is likely that most of those players were simply rested, Tavernier was dropped because of an illness. This provided Nathan Patterson with a platform to make his first senior start for the club. After speaking to STV News, Patterson said:
“It was surreal, walking out in front of 40,000 fans for the club I love, it was just a great feeling.”
This quote was shared on Twitter via @RangersCulture and @WATP_com. Upon hearing Patterson’s reflections on his debut, fans were encouraged. They think he could go on to push Tavernier for a starting spot. They think Wednesday’s match against St. Mirren is the perfect platform for him to take his opportunity.
And folk want flano to start. Let this young man live his dream with our unconditional support i say 🙂
— Jock (@Jock_Rangers) January 20, 2020
Good thing is he’s always willing to get forwards and when play breaks down he’s back defending straight away going to be a future star if he keeps progressing the way he has
— LEFTFOOTWAND (@Aldolees1872) January 20, 2020
Strong debut, confident with a great attitude once he fills out a bit he could be a cracking player.
— Robert West (@rapwest) January 20, 2020
Great to hear! He’s not giving up & thinking he won’t get a game because the captain plays there. Great attitude
— Thomas Park (@ThomasP53703590) January 20, 2020
Thought he played well! Definitely would like to see him play some more
— Jacko (@PoshPointy) January 20, 2020
Maybe he should get a chance on Wednesday.
— andybell (@andyb29) January 20, 2020
Starts on Wednesday, no brainer.
— Curtis (@1872Curtis) January 20, 2020
Should Tavernier need to fight for his place upon his return?
Yes
No
They hope that Patterson is actually given a fair chance considering that Tavernier is the club’s captain. Upon his return from illness, they don’t want him to walk right back into the team simply because of his role.
I love tav but I hope he has to fight to get his spot back like everyone else does. Patterson deserves it.
— Rangers Only (@RangersOnly3) January 20, 2020
What do we think?
If Patterson is given some consistent opportunities in Tavernier’s absence, it could be a turning point in the young player’s career. At just 18 years of age, there is still plenty of maturing for the young player to do. But given the reaction of these Rangers fans, he is well and truly on his way.