James Tavernier's place in Ibrox history is secured.
But Alan Hutton reckons his role in the Rangers starting line-up might be under threat with Nathan Patterson breathing down his neck.
The ex-Light Blues full-back is relishing the battle for his old role with the title-winning skipper being pushed all the way by the up-and-coming youngster.
Tavernier’s status as a club legend will never be shifted after leading Gers to the Premiership crown last season. But that doesn’t mean he can rest on his laurels, with Patterson making a case for inclusion and maybe even in the Europa League play-off against Alashkert.
The 19-year-old slotted into the side in Friday’s demolition of Dunfermline.
And Hutton said: “As a former right-back it’s really interesting for me and something I really look at. Tavernier ’s numbers, with goals and assists, have been incredible for a full-back. He’s been brilliant for Rangers.
“I’ve watched Paterson quite closely and I really like what I see, especially when he got thrown in at the deep end in the European games. He handled himself so well for a young lad of 19. I’m looking forward to seeing how it develops.
“There’s been a few errors across the backline this season and it’s given an opportunity for Nathan – and Calvin Bassey – to come in and really prove a point.
“They did that the other day and they’ll now be at the forefront of the manager’s thinking.
“It’s up to them to keep the pressure on. We know how key Borna Barisic and Tavernier are for Rangers, especially in the final third. But it’s up to the other boys to keep pushing.”
Hutton has been in Patterson’s position – trying to dislodge a Rangers captain. But he reckons the current kid has an even tougher task.
Hutton said: “I’ve been there. I was a young lad at Rangers thinking, ‘I’m never breaking into this team’. In that era they were able to go and buy top players. I had Fernando Ricksen ahead of me, who was the captain as well.
“The good thing was Fernando could play midfield and Alex McLeish pushed him up, which allowed me to develop. That’s the difficulty for Nathan. He has the captain in front of him.
“He’s an attacking full-back but I don’t see Tavernier playing in midfield, as you’d need to sacrifice one of your forward-thinking players to do that.
“It’s going to be a battle between them. It’s intriguing because Patterson has the tools to become a top player for Rangers. There’s also a space he can fill for Scotland but he needs to be playing at club level first.
“I thought he was in with a shout for the Euros. Stephen O’Donnell played his part in getting us there and Steve Clarke put his trust in him.
“But if Patterson can break into the Rangers team, or maybe even share the load with Tavernier, there’s an opportunity to get into the Scotland team and be there for as long as he wants it. He has the quality to be there for years.”
Hutton reckons the Pars pummelling was just the ticket after the misery against Malmo. He said: “There was a lot of hype going into this season, especially with the chance of playing Champions League football. So to fall at this hurdle was difficult for everyone to take.
“Over the two games they probably only turned up for the first half at Ibrox. They didn’t deserve to go through, there’s no getting away from it.
“In the Europa League in the ;last few seasons they’ve had some fantastic nights.
“You’d think the confidence levels would have been through the roof. But at this level it’s difficult getting to the Champions League.
“There’s a lot of football to be played so I don’t think we can jump on Rangers and say they will struggle this season. I know what it’s like in Glasgow. You lose a game and it’s the end of the world. It was a disappointing week but it’s about resetting.”
This interview was in association with Coffee Friend, an international retailer for coffee and coffee machines.
