Former Celtic star calls for Rangers ace to be included in Scotland squad

Nathan Patterson could be the answer to Scotland’s right-back issues and should be included in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, according to former Celtic ace Kris Commons.

Nathan Patterson has impressed since breaking into the Rangers first-team, including scoring in the win over Royal Antwerp. Picture: SNS

The 19-year-old has broken into the Rangers first-team in recent games after injury put captain James Tavernier out of action.

He scored off the bench in the 5-2 victory over Royal Antwerp and impressed in wins over Livingston and St Mirren before Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Slavia Prague in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Though Scotland have an abundance of quality options on the other side of defence, there isn’t quite the same strength on the right.

Steve Clarke will announce his squad for the triple-header against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands on Tuesday and Commons believes Patterson should be named in the group.

He said in the Daily Mail: "Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney. If only one of them could play right-back, eh? It's been a running joke for years with Scotland that arguably our two best players happen to be left-backs.

"The right side of defence has been problematic. No one has made the jersey their own. Which is why I hope Nathan Patterson is named in Steve Clarke's squad tomorrow. He has earned the chance.

"Let's be honest, we're not exactly blessed with an abundance of options at right-back. Why not bring Patterson in and at least get him used to being in that environment?

"He has been excellent for Rangers. His performance against Slavia Prague in Europe last week spoke of a growing maturity. He's ready to step up."

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