RANGERS icon Brian Laudrup has been more than impressed by Nathan Patterson in recent weeks.

The 19-year-old right-back has been thrown in at the deep end and excelled for the league winners with regular starter James Tavernier facing a rare spell out through injury.

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Patterson's level of performance has been so high, the prospect of both he and Tavernier playing in the same starting 11 has arisen.

Tavernier, who captains Rangers, is at the peak of his career aged 29 and has arguably been the Ibrox side’s standout man this season.

Glasgow Times:

But Patterson has shown in recent matches, notably the weekend’s Old Firm fixture, that he is undoubtedly at first team level.

That selection headache is something that can benefit Rangers, according to Laudrup. But, he does concede it will be a challenge for Steven Gerrard to ensure both have enough minutes next season.

"He's making people ponder what he can achieve in the future, with both Rangers and Scotland,” Laudrup told the Daily Mail.

"At club level, the million-dollar question is how best to manage his progress when he has James Tavernier in front of him. I don't necessarily see that as a barrier to him featuring for Scotland.

“There are many examples of players winning caps even though they don't get picked by their club every week but it is a fascinating puzzle.

"Let's be clear about how much Tavernier has meant to Rangers ' success this season. He has been outstanding. He has proven his mentality, his character and his quality. That is beyond dispute. Patterson has a huge future.

"But he will be back-up next season no doubt about that because Tavernier is just so important.

Glasgow Times:

"In saying that, there should be enough games to go round if Rangers continue on their positive trajectory. Striking the precise balance of minutes for Patterson will be the tricky part for Steven Gerrard and his coaching staff.

"Physically, Patterson can still develop further. I think he will understand and accept he has more to learn. And who better to learn from than Tavernier?

"It's about being humble and patient, although I was never the most patient guy myself! Had Tavernier been fit for this whole season, Patterson might not have had this opportunity at all.

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"But he has grabbed it superbly. And done so under the most difficult of circumstances.

"There was huge scrutiny on him rightly because of the Covid breach situation. If he had come into the team and not produced, it could have been a really long, hard way back.

"Instead, Patterson has staked his claim in the best possible way. It shows me that he is a young man with a lot of character. That's something you obviously need as a foundation for a successful Rangers career.”