Former Rangers defender Michael Ball has exclusively told Football FanCast that teenager Nathan Patterson could eventually take the mantle from captain James Tavernier in the coming years.

With the Scottish Premiership title already in the bag, the 19-year-old has been given the chance to impress in the first team by Steven Gerrard in recent matches.

Patterson only made his league debut as a late substitute against Kilmarnock back in August but has since been rewarded with eight starts in all competitions for the Glasgow giants.

The right-back has also been trusted in two Old Firm outings, including 90 minutes in the Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox last month, having netted his first domestic goal against Cove Rangers in the previous round.

Patterson's only other professional goal came against Royal Antwerp in the Europa League, and having gained some valuable experience throughout Rangers' European campaign, Ball has predicted the youngster for a big future, especially learning off the skipper.

He told Football FanCast:"Tavernier has been a massive captain for the club. He's been fantastic and if he can learn as much as he can off Tavernier and take the mantle then it's going to be a great club to play for is Rangers."