Pundit ponders Rangers defender's 'sliding doors' moment with James Tavernier's Europa League injury blow
The Rangers teenager was one of five players named by Steven Gerrard as breaking rules at the weekend and the group members were subsequently unavailable for selection against Royal Antwerp.
Patterson, understudy to captain James Tavernier at right-back, could have been an option to the Rangers manager when Tavernier limped out of the Europa League clash in Belgium. Instead Gerrard turned to centre-half Leon Balogun and BBC Sportsound pundit Stewart suggested it could be a ‘sliding doors’ moment for his fledgling career.
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Hide AdHe said: “I can't help but think what Nathan Patterson must be thinking watching this game.
“The opportunity he has been crying out for for so long, when Tavernier is in the form he is and the captain of the club, you think to yourself ‘is he ever going to get an opportunity ?’
"He is a very good young player, if he doesn't get his chance he needs to continue to get the progression. It is difficult.
“But then the madness that happened at the weekend has cost him and could be his sliding door moment - whether he gets the opportunity again we'll wait and see, because I think Tavernier might be out for a few weeks with that injury.”
The Rangers captain limped out of the first half and was later followed by Kemar Roofe as Rangers took the lead through Joe Aribo then conceded two late goals to trail hosts Royal Antwerp at the interval.