Steven Naismith has praised Everton defender Nathan Patterson's calmness and composure on the ball as he looks to make his impact for Scotland over the course of the international break.
The right-back has been called up for his national team by Steve Clarke as they prepare to face Poland on Thursday, before taking on either Austria or Wales on Tuesday. Steve Clarke's side were due to play against Ukraine in their 2022 World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, but that has been postponed due to the conflict in Ukraine.
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Since making the move to the Blues in the winter transfer window, Patterson has been forced to be patient and wait for his opportunity. Earlier this month, Frank Lampard handed him his senior debut in the FA Cup clash with Boreham Wood, before he was withdrawn at half time.
However, former Everton striker Steven Naismith believes the defender has qualities that make him stand out. When speaking about fellow member of the squad Aaron Hickey, the now-Scotland coach explained why he thinks Patterson and Billy Gilmour are different.
He told a press conference (via The Celtic Way ): "You see it in Nathan and you see it in Billy, young players that have come in. They have a calmness when they’ve got the ball.
"In years gone by, young players might be a good defender or a good goalscorer. But they’re missing that composure. What makes these guys different is that they’ve got that composure."
Patterson has made only one appearance for the Everton senior side since his arrival on Merseyside, while also turning out for the under-23s once during that spell.
