Scotland manager Steve Clarke wants Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson to be handed more game time by Steven Gerrard before the international break.

The 19-year-old did start the 2-0 win over Livingston in the League Cup last week, but it was the first time he had played since he returned from quarantine earlier this month. Speaking before tonight’s Europa League game against Sparta Prague, Clarke suggested he would like to see the fullback play more often:

“I’m hoping Nathan will pick up a little bit of game-time before we meet up. Rangers have two games so hopefully, Nathan will get minutes on the pitch.”

Patterson was the subject of bids from Everton last month, and Liverpool have also been mentioned as a potential suitor in recent weeks.  Moving to the Premier League would certainly help his chances of getting more starts for Scotland.

However, while he may want to play for his country, the defender’s main goal has always been to become a regular starter for the Light Blues and he is getting closer to that ambition with every performance.