Nobody has been more impressed with the rise of Nathan Patterson than his defensive comrade James Tavernier.

Patterson has slotted in seamlessly at the back for Rangers since club captain Tavernier picked up an injury in the Europa League back in February.

The Englishman returned to Steven Gerrard's starting XI on Wednesday as the champions shared the points with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Tavernier was delighted to return to action but he was quick to hail Patterson for his performances in his absence.

He said: "It feels great to be back, it was frustrating I haven't been out that long since I was 18. A lot of hard work and patience. The boys have been great.

"When we actually won it, it was a special moment. Even during my injury, I have been extremely positive and the boys have been brilliant.

"Nathan has been brilliant and has been working extremely hard. He has set his standard and now has to keep it up. The gaffer can include us both, I'm happy to play up-front!

"Nathan has to keep pushing me, himself and the team. He can go all the way."

Rangers welcome St Johnstone to Ibrox on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup and Tavernier says the squad is fully focussed on the task at hand.#

He added: "The team is really strong in-depth. We have full focus on Sunday and approach it with real intensity and aim to reach the next round. We are in this competition to win it and will always be our aim.

"We showed a great performance against Celtic and nothing changes, we are Rangers Football Club and we want to win trophies.

"We are continuing to progress and learn. The demands at this club is to win every game and nothing changes, the boys all have that here."