NATHAN PATTERSON has confirmed that he is fit and available to return for Scotland as they take on Armenia in the Nations League on Wednesday.
The Everton defender was absent for the Scots' World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine last week as he was not fully up to speed following a two-month lay-off with an ankle problem.
However, he is now available for action as Steve Clarke's side take on their opponents at Hampden Park.
“I’ve trained since we came in the door, working on my fitness, doing some extra stuff with the sports scientists and I think that’s me ready now,” Patterson said as he faced the media at the Oriam today.
Bologna teenager Aaron Hickey started the Ukraine game in Patterson’s absence but Scotland coach Steven Naismith confirmed the former Rangers player is in the thoughts of the management team for the Nations League opener at Hampden.
“Nathan’s been a gradual build-up but he’s now in full contention,” said Naismith. “He’s ticked all the boxes he’s needed to.”
Lyndon Dykes is the only player to have left Steve Clarke’s squad since the Ukraine game after the QPR striker – who went off at half-time on Wednesday – withdrew following a muscle complaint.
Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson has been struggling with a “minor” injury but otherwise everyone is available for Scotland’s first-ever meeting with Armenia.
“Lyndon’s the only one that’s dropped out of the squad,” said Naismith. “Lewis Ferguson didn’t train but it’s very minor so I’d imagine he’ll be back training tomorrow or the next few days. Other than that, everybody’s been on the training pitch.”
