‘A striker’s dream’: Neil McCann singles Rangers player out for praise in EL playoff draw

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BBC pundit Neil McCann praised Glasgow Rangers full-back Nathan Patterson during the Ibrox side’s Europa League playoff draw today.

The Gers got the result they needed in the second leg as they saw off FC Alashkert 1-0 on aggregate.

After Alfredo Morelos’ goal in the Ibrox first leg proved the difference, Rangers picked up a goalless draw in Armenia.

However, it was a tense game for the Gers, who were without Steven Gerrard and several players for the game.

Although Alashkert went down to ten men on 39 minutes, Rangers had a tough time in the stifling Yerevan heat.

Morelos had a frustrating night as he spurned several good chances, including one put on a platter by Patterson.

Morelos was unmarked 10 yards from goal but sent a left-footed volley well over.

“I think Morelos could have gone for that with his head,” Derek Ferguson said on Sportsound (17:34).

“It looked a bit lazy to me. He just hung a leg out.”

And McCann added (17:35): “What a ball from Nathan Patterson. That’s a striker’s dream.

“Just go and get your body over it and it’s 1-0 and game over.

“Morelos has been slack at times tonight. He could’ve put this game to bed long ago.”

Rangers, now through to the Europa League group stages, are in Old Firm action next.

The Light Blues will take on Celtic at Ibrox on Sunday in a 12pm kickoff.