Nathan Patterson has explained how having the backing of Everton supporters has given him extra confidence this season and provided an update on his return to full fitness.
Patterson has been one of Everton’s standout performers so far this term. The full-back completed a move to Goodison Park from Rangers back in January but initially struggled to make a meaningful impact.
But to his credit, Patterson has bounced back with renewed purpose this season and impressed with a string of impressive displays at the start of the campaign. Those impressive displays led to Blues supporters making a song up for the defender based on the Following The Sun by SUPER-Hi x NEEKA tune.
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“Yeah it is good and to have the backing from the fans every week and obviously they have made a song for you it is a proud moment for yourself," he said on the song.
"The fans believe in you and obviously it gives you the confidence boost to go and do well in the games.”
The right-back suffered an ankle injury in Scotland’s 3-0 Nations League win over Ukraine at Hampden last month and has been sidelined since. Seamus Coleman has deputised in place of Patterson, and the former Rangers man has detailed the close relationship he has with the 34-year-old.
“It has been great. Since I came in through the front door from the very first day he has been there helping me, praising me and wanting me to do better,” he told Everton’s live pre-match show.
“We speak to each other and work hard together to try and benefit the club and we have been doing that well and it has paid off this season.
“He’s come in while I have been injured and done really well. It is expected of him because he is a top athlete and top guy.”
Speaking ahead of Everton’s win over Crystal Palace on Saturda y, Blues boss Frank Lampard offered a positive update on the defender - who has returned to training and is aiming for a return to action against Fulham next weekend.
“Yeah, I am doing well. I am nearly back, next week hopefully. I am recovering well,” Patterson said when asked for an injury update.
“It is obviously part of the game, you get injured, but it is obviously how you recover. I have been working hard with the physios and just making sure I rehab properly and getting back as soon as possible.”
Before he added: “As I said, it is part of the game, but obviously I was doing really well and picking up good form and the team was doing well.
“It was disappointing to have to come out of the team and just watch from the sidelines and not help at certain points. Hopefully I can get back in the team as soon as possible.”
Patterson’s return to action this weekend would further strengthen his chances of heading to this winter’s World Cup with Scotland. But when asked about representing his country in Qatar, the 21-year-old was quick to state his first aim is returning for Everton.
He said: “Yeah of course, but my main goal was to get back on the pitch for Everton and hopefully I can do that as soon as possible.”
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