Nathan Patterson has admitted that he hopes everyone - including Everton manager Frank Lampard - “was watching” his performance for Scotland against Poland on Thursday night.
The 20-year-old started at right wingback for his country as Steve Clarke’s side earned a 1-1 draw at Hampden Park. Despite being denied victory through an added time equaliser, Patterson certainly produced an impressive display before being substituted on 67 minutes.
Since his move from Rangers in January, the defender’s sole start for Everton came against Boreham Wood in the FA Cup. Even then, he was subject to a tactical switch and replaced at half-time . The Scotland international will be hoping to have shown enough with Scotland to persuade Lampard to rely on him more at club level , as Patterson is aware he still has a point to prove.
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“It was just good to be back playing again. I’ve been working hard in training to make sure I’m ready,” Patterson told the Daily Record . “I’m fit so I can go out there and give my best. That’s what I did. I have to make sure that when opportunities come along I show what I can do.
“I want to prove to people how good I am, no matter what the circumstances are. I want to prove to the Scotland gaffer he’s right to pick me and show the fans what I’m capable of.
“The manager shows belief in me and that was a great confidence booster. He picks me even when I am not playing at club level and that’s why I always do my best to repay him.
“Do I hope the Everton manager was watching? I hope everyone was watching. I always want people to watch me. It’s all about playing for me – that’s all I want to do.”
Patterson hailed “supportive” Steve Clarke for his positive influence during Scotland camps. Having been a right-back in his playing days, the Everton defender revealed that Clarke speaks to him both before and during games, helping him navigate tough situations on the international stage.
After keeping faith in the Everton youngster, despite his lack of minutes, Patterson appears keen to repay the Scotland boss. But being second-choice is not an unfamiliar feeling to the full-back.
As he has already experienced with Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny in his time at Goodison, Patterson’s playing time was similarly limited in Glasgow due to the virtually immovable presence of Rangers captain Jame Tavernier at right-back. Patterson, though, believes the experience has made him mentally tough and is thriving after getting the chance to prove himself for Scotland.
“I’ve had this a lot since I was young. But I have good mental resilience and believe in myself. I know what I’m capable of,” he continued. “That attitude has helped me to get to where I am today and stood me in good stead so far in my career.
“It’s great to come away and play against some top countries with Scotland. Poland are a top side as are Austria who we play on Tuesday night and that will be another tough test. It’s great for me to get that experience especially when I’m so young. Sometimes I need to pinch myself that I’m playing for Scotland – but that’s my life now.
“We have a great group of boys and everyone is together. When I’m on the pitch I feel like everyone believes in me and that’s a great boost for any player.
“The other boys want to give you the ball and if you do something well they are quick to praise you. If something doesn’t come off, they are always on my side. It’s great to have that support.”
