Steve Clarke hopes Nathan Patterson's injury sustained in the Nations League win over Ukraine is not too serious and it won't rule him out long term.
The former Rangers kid - who has been in stunning form in the English Premier League for Everton - was forced off in the first period at Hampden and had to be stretchered from the far side of the pitch with what looked like a knee issue.
The Dark Blues boss has revealed he will wait on an assessment from his medical team and see what the situation is from that, in what is a bitter blow for the 20-year-old. After his early struggles at Everton he has established himself as a key man for Frank Lampard and played every single minute of their league campaign to date.
READ MORE: Scotland player ratings v Ukraine as Celtic captain Callum McGregor sets the Hampden standard
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Patterson was massively impressive against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby as he contained Luis Diaz and earned the plaudits of pundits for his display. He had started the Hampden showdown brightly before the injury that forced an early end to his night.
Providing an update on the full-back, Clarke told Premier Sports: "It doesn't look too good when he goes off on a stretcher. He obviously felt something on his leg, we'll just wait and see what the medics say and how it pans out. Hopefully, it's not too serious and hopefully he's not out too long."
Scotland took control at the top of the Nations League section after goals from John McGinn and a double from sub Lyndon Dykes. The win puts Clarke and Co on nine points with two matches to play against Republic of Ireland at home and Ukraine away. Their destiny is now in their own hands as they bid to win League B Group 1.
The clash with Ireland takes place at Hampden this coming Saturday night with the second meeting with Ukraine in the space of six days on Tuesday next week.
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