Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Robbie Copeland

Nathan Patterson earns Scotland acclaim as Rangers kid and Billy Gilmour leave James McFadden awestruck

Awestruck James McFadden couldn't believe what he was seeing from Nathan Patterson and Billy Gilmour against Israel.

And he reckons the teenage pair are "an inspiration" to their more experienced Scotland teammates.

Scotland were up against it from the first minute against their familiar foes Israel with Rangers right-back Patterson culpable for Eran Zahavi's stunning early opener.

But Steve Clarke's team, roared on by a vociferous Hampden, battled back into it. Despite trailing twice, Scott McTominay's last-gasp winner sealed a momentous World Cup qualifying win.

The second-half performance in particular was impressive from the Scots and teens Patterson and Gilmour were at the heart of it.

McFadden, speaking on Sportsound, was full of praise - especially for Patterson who looks to have sealed his spot as Clarke's starting right-back.

He said: "The performance of those two in the second half was absolutely magnificent. It was a joy to watch.

"Nathan Patterson in particular, his first half he gave the ball away probably nearly every time he got it. He could have done better in the situation for one of the goals.

"But second half he just keeps that composure. He just refocuses and takes the ball, demands it, wants to go and make things happen.

"Yes, he's a defender, but his strength is without doubt going forward. But it's the composure that he shows when he gets into those situations.

"The young boys inspire the older players. They're not just in there for the experience and to see what it's all about, they're in there to challenge them.

"They go in with belief, you can see that in how they play."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.