Kris Commons believes Glasgow Rangers' Nathan Patterson could solve Steve Clarke's Scotland right-back problem.

Commons back Patterson for Scotland call

With James Tavernier currently out injured, 19-year-old Patterson has started the last two Premiership matches against Livingston and St Mirren, while he also played the full 90 minutes in the Europa League against Slavia Prague (Transfermarkt).

Speaking to the Daily Mail (via Daily Record), Commons believes the teenager could offer Clarke a solution for what has been cited as a problem position for Scotland. He said:

"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."

Too early

Patterson has stepped up in the absence of Tavernier. The Gers have conceded just one goal in the three matches he has started, and he has not looked out of place at all in a side which was crowned Premiership champions less than 10 days ago.

However, he still has just 10 appearances to his name in the professional game - it is far too early to suggest he should be called up to the Scotland squad. In the future, he seems quite likely to play for the Tartan Army based on his fledgling performances, but given he was recently caught to have broken lockdown regulations to attend a house gathering (Sky Sports), he still needs to mature.

Give him time to develop first before throwing him into the deep end at senior international level.

In other news, some Rangers fans were worried by this open letter.