Scotland manager Steve Clarke has detailed a private phone call with Frank Lampard regarding Nathan Patterson ahead of the Everton right-back's brilliant run of form.
Patterson was forced to wait for his opportunity at Everton having made the move Merseyside from Rangers in January and, just when it was about arrive, he suffered an injury in the build-up to what would have been his Premier League debut against West Ham United in April.
However, the absence of Seamus Coleman at the beginning of this season opened the door for the 20-year-old to make his impact on the side. Patterson has started every game and has hugely impressed supporters with his quality over the course of those displays. Both going forward and defensively the defender has proven crucial as the Blues have tightened up at the back and have introduced a new identity to their play.
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Having struggled to break into the Rangers side in his preferred position over club captain James Tavernier, Patterson has now overcome his struggles and is set to start for his country in their international matches this week. And Clarke has spoken about a conversation he had with Everton boss Lampard over Patterson.
"Obviously I worked with him at Chelsea so I know Frank quite well," said former Chelsea assistant manager Clarke. "We did have a little chat about it (Patterson).
"About that time he was phoning up to say, ‘what do you think?’ I said, ‘if you give the boy a chance to play he will do well for you’. But I am not going to take any credit for that. Nathan takes all the credit.
"He did not sulk, he did not lose faith in himself. He kept running away, working away. Even when he was at Rangers he was probably playing as many times for Scotland as he was for Rangers at that particular time because of the situation he found himself in with James Tavernier, the Rangers captain.
"He found it difficult there. He just kept his head down, worked hard, did great for Scotland and now he is doing very well for Everton as well. Hopefully that will continue. A lot of it comes down to confidence. He’s had a chance to play - the chance to show what he’s about.
"He is a good character. Since I got him into the squad I have always liked his character, I like the way he conducts himself. I like his attitude towards football."
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