DO IT AS NAT GETS CALL-UP
RANGERS’ Nathan Patterson is a shining example to other youngsters at Glasgow’s big two clubs says Scot Gemmill after handing the Ibrox kid a first call-up.
The Scotland Under-21 boss says he couldn’t leave the full-back out of his squad for next month’s Euro qualifier against Lithuania after he forced his way into Steven Gerrard’s first team.
Patterson is one of six Ibrox youngsters in the squad along with Kieran Wright, Lewis Mayo, Glenn Middleton, Robby McCrorie who is on loan at Livingston and Stephen Kelly who’s been farmed out to Ross County.
Gemmill said: “I think any player who forces their way into Rangers’ first team, you don’t get there by fluke. The pathways are changed forever, the Bosman rule changed that.
“It’s harder than ever for a younger player to break through especially at the top clubs. Nathan’s got everyone’s attention getting to this point but it’s only the first point.
“He’s got to go again. Everybody at his club will speak to him about that and we can play a small part but most of that work is getting done at his club.
“It’s just fantastic to show it can be done. A lot of people think it’s almost impossible for players to do that and it should be inspiring for all the other young players in Scotland.”
Patterson added: “It’s a
BY FRASER WILSON great achievement and it’s always brilliant to go away with your national squad, especially this time with it being the first time I’ve been in the U21s.
“I have been keeping my head down and working hard. It’s paying off and I am delighted.”
Gemmill yesterday named Motherwell’s David Turnbull in his squad and believes the midfielder’s recovery from knee surgery can act as an inspiration to injured Chelsea star Billy Gilmour.
Gemmill said: “I’m hugely disappointed for Billy. There’s never a good time to get injured.
“David has shown he’s back to fitness and back in the Premiership. It’s great to give him another opportunity to play in the 21s after he faced Mexico.
“The mentality of the players really is tested in that situation. They’re so high doing well for club and country. I’m sure we can all think of players who struggled in those times.
“Billy has shown he has a strong mentality and does not cut any corners and David has shown that too.
“We feel there’s been a huge improvement in the attitude of players. There’s no place to hide. If your attitude isn’t right you will get found out.”
Gemmill has handed a first call-up to Leeds winger Liam McCarron in an otherwise familiar looking squad. Hull’s James Scott is back after injury.