Unlucky Nathan Patterson is desperate to make his mark at Everton this season after time spent working under first-team coach and retired full-back Ashley Cole.
The right-back has endured a torrid time since leaving Rangers in January for Merseyside after signing for Rafa Benitez, when the Spaniard was quickly replaced by Frank Lampard following the 20-year-old's arrival south of the border. He has made just one appearance under Lampard against Boreham Wood in the FA Cup, during which he was subbed at half-time.
Patterson then picked up an ankle knock that kept him out for the season as he had to to go under the knife, as he missed the crucial relegation run in for Everton as they narrowly survived the drop from the English Premier League. However, he is finally back to full fitness having been handed minutes by Scotland boss Steve Clarke in the Nations League before starting The Toffee's first pre-season game against Arsenal in the US city of Baltimore.
As he prepares for his first full season at Goodison Park, Patterson has opened up on the crucial role played by experienced players in his development. Seamus Coleman, Under-18s boss Leighton Baines and Cole are on hand to offer support and advice - with former Champions League winner Cole earning special praise.
Speaking to the media post-match after the first fame of pre-season, he said: They are all willing to sit down and talk to you, they are all willing to help, especially Seamus. He is great in my position. He's always full of praise and stuff to help me with.
"It's great to have Ashley by my side as well to talk me through stuff so it's just going to benefit me for the season and my career.
"He takes the defenders in a group sometimes and does different sessions with us. And then he'll pull you aside and just talk you through things. He's played at the top level and he's played against top players so he knows all the ins and outs of football and it's great to just learn."
Speaking on if Lampard has set any targets for him as he searches for his first English Premier League appearance next term, he said: "Just comfort on the ball, he wants me to make things happen, be aggressive and drive the team forward and create things. That's what I love doing, I love driving the team forward, making chances and ultimately - hopefully - getting some assists and goals this season that will push us up the league."
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