Add as preferred source on Google

Charlie Adam was left amazed by a “tremendous” tackle from Rangers youngster Nathan Patterson in Thursday’s match against Slavia Prague.

The Gers recored an important 1-1 away draw against Czech Republic outfit Slavia Prague in the first leg of a Europa League Round of 16 tie.

Steven Gerrard’s side went into the European tie still riding the wave of winning the league title just days before, but were brought back down to earth when Nicolae Stanciu scored a stunning opener for the hosts inside seven minutes.

But the Scottish giants regained their composure and got a foothold in the game.

Filip Helander tapped in from close-range to net a vital away goal in the first half, which does give Rangers the advantage ahead of the second leg at Ibrox.

Goalkeeper Allan McGregor will receive a lot of praise for his stunning save late on to secure the draw, but Adam singled out outfield player Patterson.

Right-back Patterson was praised for a stunning last-ditch tackle in the second half to deny a shot just inside the penalty box.

The 19-year-old has stepped up brilliantly in the absence of injured captain James Tavernier and the inexperienced teenager looked like he belonged on the European stage.

“What a challenge to block that shot, that’s tremendous defending to sniff that out,” Adam told BBC Sportsound (7:38pm, 11 March).

TBR’s View:

Rangers can be extremely pleased with how the Slavia Prague tie played out, albeit they started slowly and at times were put under pressure by a strong opponent.

It’s a match that a Rangers team of a few years ago could only have imagined of, but their current squad looks a different breed and they rolled their sleeves up to get a vital away goal.

Gerrard’s men are certainly capable of going up a gear in the second leg at Ibrox.

They had several impressive performer on the night in Prague, with huge prospect Patterson once again catching the eye with his mature display.