Glasgow Rangers full-back Nathan Patterson has been spotted in first-team training ahead of the Gers’ Europa League clash against Royal Antwerp on Thursday despite recently breaking coronavirus regulations.
Patterson back in training
Patterson was one of five players who found themselves in hot water recently after breaking lockdown rules to attend a small gathering (Sky Sports) – he has since issued an apology along with Bongani Zungu and Calvin Bassey (Rangers TV via Rangers News).
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Now, he has been spotted back in first-team training ahead of the European tie, and with James Tavernier out injured (The Daily Record), he could be set to feature.
Reprieve
What Patterson and his teammates did was both naive and stupid – with the Gers enjoying such a fantastic campaign, the last thing they need is distractions as they close in on success. However, Patterson is just 19 years of age – he is a young man who is bound to make mistakes, and after everyone involved tested negative for the coronavirus, no harm has been done.
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He still has a future at Ibrox, and with Tavernier out injured, he may well have a chance to feature. Steven Gerrard has chosen to play Leon Balogun at right-back recently, but he is not a natural in that position – Patterson is. The teenager played last month against Ross County in a 5-0 victory – he is clearly in the boss’ plans. It remains to be seen whether Gerrard makes a big call in a more important match.
In other news, this Rangers ace takes a thinly-veiled swipe at Gerrard.
