Airdrie manager Ian Murray has suggested that Glasgow Rangers should let Nathan Patterson join Hibernian or Hearts for free.

Murray makes Patterson claim

This season has been Patterson's breakout campaign at Ibrox, even despite receiving a six-game ban for breaking lockdown regulations (Sky Sports). He has made 12 appearances in all competitions for the Gers first team, scoring twice (Transfermarkt), and has shown himself to be an able deputy to first-choice right-back James Tavernier.

However, speaking to BBC Scotland (via Edinburgh Live), Murray suggested that the Gers should let him leave for free. The Airdrie boss said:

"We're not talking for Rangers here, but if Rangers want to improve young players so much, and their fans and everybody wants to improve Scottish football, why don't they go give Patterson to Hibs? "Give him to Hearts, St Mirren and don't ask for any money. "If you want to progress the player and get him games, there you go. "But they won't and I understand why."

Outrageous

It is hard to decide whether Murray is actually being serious with these comments. From his point of view, the only argument he could be making is that the Gers allow him to leave so he can play more regularly, but why would they do so for free? Even a loan deal would require another club to at least contribute to his wages. Steven Gerrard's staunch defence of the 19-year-old after he broke lockdown rules (Daily Record) shows that he is a big fan of the teenager. As such, why would he let him depart for free, especially now that he has proven capable of stepping up to the first team? Perhaps Murray should take a little more time to think before sharing such bewildering opinions. In other news, many Rangers fans were delighted with this man's performance against Hibernian.