Airdrie boss Ian Murray has called on Rangers to ‘give’ Nathan Patterson to Hibs or Hearts for nothing.
Patterson is one of the brightest prospects in Scottish football and had filled in for injured Ibrox captain James Tavernier in recent weeks, despite facing a lengthy ban for breaching Covid rules, which the club have appealed.
Taveriner recently committed his future to the club by penning a new contract that will keep him at the Light Blues until at least 2024.
That’s led Murray to question how much game time Patterson will get as a result and how it might hamper his development.
And his solution is for Steven Gerrard to okay a loan to either of the capital clubs...at no cost to either of them so he can gain regular Premiership experience next season.
Jack Ross tends to operate a back three at Easter Road with Martin Boyle at right wing back, although Paul McGinn can also play there.
Until recently, Robbie Neilson has played a back four at Tynecastle and brought in Shay Logan on loan from Aberdeen to play on the right, moving Michael Smith in one to centre back.
But Murray believes a move to either would be a good move for the clubs and Patterson and has called on Rangers to think of the player’s long-term future.
He told BBC Scotland: "We're not talking for Rangers here, but if Rangers want to improve young players so much, and their fans and everybody wants to improve Scottish football, why don't they go give Patterson to Hibs?
"Give him to Hearts, St Mirren and don't ask for any money.
"If you want to progress the player and get him games, there you go.
"But they won't and I understand why."
