Patterson not distracted by Everton, Man United links

Nathan Patterson is ignoring the increasing glare of the spotlight to concentrate on progressing with club and country.

The 19-year-old Rangers right-back has become an integral part of Steven Gerrard’s squad since making his Light Blues debut against Stranraer at Ibrox in January 2020.

Patterson has since broken into the Scotland set-up under Steve Clarke, making his debut in a friendly against Luxembourg in June before featuring against Croatia in the delayed 2020 European Championship.

Everton were reported to have made an unsuccessful £8million bid for the former Gers youth player in the summer while Manchester United have been linked this week but Patterson, while admitting the past year or so has “just been amazing”, is focusing only on improvement on the pitch.

He said: “Yes, that was obviously nice to see that teams are interested but I am only interested in playing football.

“That’s the stuff that comes with it and I am not really aware of anything that happens, I just go on the pitch and do my thing and let the outside talk.

“You need to keep your feet grounded and just focus on your football and that’s what I have been doing.

“Sometimes you just need to block that out and focus on yourself, surround yourself with the right people and I feel as if I have done that. I have a good group of friends, good team-mates and family also who keep pushing me on to do well.

“I have been working really hard with all the coaches that have been helping me along the way and any time I get the opportunity I need to make sure I am ready to prove myself.

“I feel as if I have done that but I need to keep pushing on and hopefully get more opportunities.”

Patterson made his first Scotland start against Moldova in the 2022 World Cup qualifier last month and hopes to get the nod against Israel at Hampden Park on Saturday.