CONNOR GOLDSON reckons Rangers kid Nathan Patterson is destined to play in the Premier League.

But the Englishman insists the Ibrox board must do everything they can to prevent him heading south of the border any time soon.

Patterson was the subject of an approach from Everton in the summer as Rangers rebuffed a £5million offer that boss Steven Gerrard described as a 'joke'.

Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Patterson and the Toffees have been linked with another move to land the right-back during the January transfer window.

Patterson's rise and rise for club and country will bring him to the attention of potential suitors but Goldson reckons his immediate future must be at Ibrox.

Goldson said: "Advice-wise, there is not much I can give him. It’s his own unique situation that he is in.

"It’s credit to himself and all the hard work he has put in over the years. All I can say for this football club is that I think Nathan Patterson is the future of it.

"I think he’s an amazing player. Everyone I have spoken to about him speak really highly of him. On and off the pitch, he wants to learn.

"I’ve really enjoyed playing next to him when he’s played. He’s a young boy full of energy but at the same time he’s got amazing qualities both going forward and defending.

"I think he’s the future of this football club and he’s a player that I hope Rangers keep for a long time."

Patterson has made five appearances for Rangers so far this term and played a crucial role in helping Scotland overcome Israel and the Faroe Islands during the last international break.

The 20-year-old has emerged as the natural successor to captain James Tavernier for Rangers and seems sure to be a mainstay of Steve Clarke's plans in the coming years.

Goldson knows Patterson will continue to go from strength to strength and has no doubt that he will go on to fulfill his undoubted potential in the game.

Goldson said: "I think it’s important for Nathan to play games and I think it’s important for this football club that he’s here for many years.

"As I said, I do believe he is the future. He is one of the best young kids that I’ve ever seen, especially defensively.

"I think as a defender it’s always hard when you are young. People have dips in their performances and make mistakes but so far since I’ve been around Nathan he hasn’t done that.

"He’s a credit to himself. He works so hard every day in training.

"You can see the attitude that he has got to learn and to improve. He’s done that ever since he’s been with the first team.

"The English Premier League is the biggest league in the world and at some stage in his career I know that Nathan will play at that level.

"But I think for now Rangers Football Club need to do all they can to keep him here."