STEVEN GERRARD believes the Scottish FA could damage Nathan Patterson’s career prospects if they uphold the suspension handed down for his breach of Covid regulations.

Patterson and Rangers team-mates Calvin Bassey, Bongani Zungu, Brian Kinnear and Dapo Mebude have been handed four-game bans, with a further two-matches suspended, after attending a house party in February.

Rangers have confirmed their intention to appeal the sanction and Patterson scored in the 4-0 victory over Cove on Sunday as the champions set up a Scottish Cup fourth round fixture with Celtic.

The 19-year-old had been credited an outside chance of making Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the European Championships this summer after a fine campaign at Ibrox.

And Gerrard believes the punishment doesn’t fit the crime as he urged the SFA to look at the bigger picture when determining the fate of Patterson and his team-mates in the coming weeks.

Gerrard said: “It’s something we are still discussing at the moment. We are in talks with the SFA over a date. 

“The reason for the appeal is the obvious reason. We think it’s harsh in terms of what went on on the night. 

“I think everyone assumes because of what happened with Jordan Jones and George Edmundson that everything is the same, which isn’t the case. We think it’s a little bit out of sync in terms of what went on. 

Glasgow Times: Nathan Patterson celebrates against Antwerp

“We don’t think everything has been taken into consideration when you are talking about the boys in terms of age and how damaging it could be for them in their careers moving forward now. 

“You are talking about one of the brightest prospects ever in terms of right back. This kid is going to go and play for Scotland and all of a sudden the SFA want to ban him for that long.

“I don’t see it. I don’t get it. But we’ll see what happens moving forward. 

“I’m not saying that at all [that he should be in contention for the Euros]. That’s Steve Clarke’s decision. I know Steve rates him. We’ve had a discussion over Nathan. 

Glasgow Times: Steven Gerrard greets Nathan Patterson as he leaves the field

“He’s burst onto the scene, played against top teams and top individuals and you can see there is a talent and a potential there. 

“It’s only a matter of time before he becomes an international. That’s not putting any pressure on the player. But those decisions are down to Steve and whoever manages Scotland moving forward.”