St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson has confirmed he was turned down by Rangers when attempting a January swoop for Nathan Patterson.
The 19-year-old was a stand-out for the Ibrox side once again as Rangers saw off Celtic in the Scottish Cup.
After the clash Steven Gerrard described him as the best Scottish right-back in the league and former Scotland full-back offered even more plaudits.
The Perth Saints boss has confirmed he attempt to lure the teenager to McDiarmid Park but it was ruled out by the unbeaten side.
Ahead of the double header against the Glasgow giants he heaped praise on Patterson.
Davidson said: "I'm really excited when I watch him play.
"He is someone we looked at when we were losing Danny McNamara in January.
"I had a look at Nathan Patterson and thought, 'Oof, I wouldn't mind mind getting him'. But no chance.
"He's a fantastic prospect and hopefully he can continue to develop the way he is.
"He's got a lot of potential, you see his energy levels and his quality, but for me it's his attitude.
"He's got a great attitude when he's on the pitch, he never gives up. I am really excited about that for the national team.
"Attacking full-backs are part of the threat in most teams, especially the way Rangers play.
"They encourage their full-backs to get high and get the ball into the area. He fits that system really well."
