
Having been dubbed ‘the Scottish Cafu’ during his playing days, Alan Hutton is an authority on what it takes to be a successful Scotland and Rangers right-back.
Nathan Patterson is showing signs of becoming the latter, and Hutton believes he’s also due a chance to become the former.
Scotland’s men’s team will compete in a major tournament this summer for the first time in 23 years, and Hutton is among those who feel Patterson is worthy of a call-up.
The 19-year-old was superb in Sunday’s 2-0 Scottish Cup fourth round win over Celtic at Ibrox, giving Diego Laxalt such a torrid time that the Uruguay international was replaced by Greg Taylor at the break.
Hutton, who went on to play for the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa after his time at Rangers, feels Steve Clarke should give Patterson a chance.
Asked on if he deserves a place at the Euros, Hutton replied: “A simple yes for me. I think he was outstanding.
“Again, from the first whistle he was on the front foot, he was aggressive, he made things happen.
“He wasn’t scared to just pass the ball forward and just watch it. He wanted to get involved in the play.
“Very calm in possession, plays it forward. He also wasn’t scared just to make a one-two, go and follow the pass, and try to get on the end of things.
“That’s what I love to see, that aggressive play, and he was outstanding. I think there’s a place in that Scotland team for him for sure. If not now, definitely in the future.