After Robbie Neilson confirmed that Callum Paterson is on Hearts ’ transfer wishlist, talk has turned as to where exactly he’d fit in at Tynecastle.
Paterson came through the ranks in Gorgie and became something of a jack of all trades. He made his name as an attacking right back, but found himself deployed as an emergency striker after the Jambos entered administration and were placed under a transfer embargo as the financial largesse of Vladimir Romanov’s began to bite.
Starting the 2013/14 season with a 15 point deduction, Hearts were facing a mountain to climb in order to retain their Premiership status. Without the points deduction, they might have done it too, picking up enough points that would have seen them finish in the playoff spot had they not been penalised. City rivals Hibs were second bottom, and ended up joining them in the Championship after losing the playoff final to Hamilton on penalties.
Paterson's contribution leading the line during that campaign was nothing to be sniffed at. Eleven goals in 37 games in a team of kids and a couple of older heads was respectable. Throw in a couple of derby winners, and it’s a fairly impressive return.
After Neilson was promoted to the top job with the aim of returning the club to the top flight, Paterson was returned to his right back slot, but still made the odd striking appearance, as well as in midfield. Hearts romped the league in record breaking style ahead of Hibs and favourites Rangers, with Paterson’s physically dominant performances on the right hand side a major factor.
He was set to join West Ham before a serious knee injury on Hearts’ return to the Premiership put paid to that. When fit again, he joined Cardiff City on a free transfer in 2017.
Blues boss Neil Warnock opted to use him up front, making a tongue in cheek claim that he needed to have a word with Craig Level, because Paterson was “never a right back.” Paterson moved on to Sheffield Wednesday for £500,00 in September 2020.
The Owls saw him as a forward as well, and most of his appearances for the Hillsborough club have come in that position. 15 goals in three seasons isn’t overly prolific, and with Lawrence Shankland just two shy of that already this term, he won’t be replacing the number nine in maroon if he is to return.
But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t prove a useful addition to Neilson’s squad. Record Sport looks at where the Scotland international might fit in.
Right back
Paterson hasn’t played there for a long time now. That’s not to say he couldn’t do it, but Nathaniel Atkinson and Michael Smith look to have that slot sewn up between them. Paterson would provide cover, especially after both have suffered injuries this season.
What he would add to the backline is height and physical presence. Kye Rowles and Craig Halkett provide that in the middle, while Stephen Kingsley is a powerful performer on the left or in a back three. Paterson’s size makes him effective in both boxes, and a dangerous back post target when it comes to scoring goals and potentially an emergency option at centre back.
Right wing back
Perhaps a more suitable role. In that Championship winning side, Paterson played in a Hearts side that dominated the ball and racked up the goals. He spent most of his time going forward and playing between the back three and midfield would allow him to do so again.
Smith is out of contract at the end of the season and is certainly the more defensive minded of him and Atkinson. An alternative to the Australian who can also operate in other areas of the pitch could be a cost effective solution if Smith departs at the end of his deal.
Wide right
Paterson isn't a winger in the Josh Ginnelly mould. But as a right midfielder/forward, has shown before he can cause problems. Was Hearts’ main attacking threat when they took on Liverpool at Tynecastle in the 2012 Europa League, impressing in that position.
Has the engine to get up and down and again, arriving at the back post to capitalise on deliveries from the left from either Kingsley or Alex Cochrane could prove a valuable source of goals. Of course, his experience as a striker means he can fill in there when needed, but with the other options Hearts have up there, more likely as a last resort.
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