John Collins believes Nathan Patterson is the best right back Scotland have, but not playing every week for Rangers is a problem for Steve Clarke.
The 19-year-old thought he’d scored his first Scotland goal against Moldova on Saturday night before Lyndon Dykes tapped in the rebound from his early first half shot.
But the right back isn't available for tomorrow night’s crunch clash in Austria after withdrawing from the squad through injury.
Hibs ’ Paul McGinn has been called up as a replacement, but Collins believes Patterson not being a regular at Ibrox is an issue when it comes to international football.
He told BBC Scotland: “On the right hand side we’ve got Nathan Patterson. Unfortunately he’s not playing for Rangers, which is a big problem for the national manager.
“It’s hard to pick someone who’s not getting a game for their club but is he the best right back we’ve got? My answer is yes.
“That’s no disrespect to Stephen O’Donnell, who’s done a fine job and gives you everything he’s got. But has he got the qualities of Nathan Patterson? In my opinion, no.
“But it’s a dilemma for the manager. If he’s not playing for Rangers, is he match sharp to play for Scotland? These are difficult things for a manager.
“What you want is your best players playing week in, week out for 90 minutes every week for their club.
“Then they come into the national team with their fitness at 100 per cent, as is their confidence because they’re getting picked."
