Defender finally back in the squad after more than a year out
Nathan Patterson, a defender for Scotland, has been informed that in order to continue to be considered for a starting position in head coach Steve Clarke’s squad, he must play consistent first-team football the next season.
Last month, Patterson made his first appearance in the Scotland team in almost a year when he was picked for the friendlies against Iceland on Friday night and Liechtenstein in Vaduz on Monday.
Patterson, who is currently at Everton, had a miserable season due to injuries last year. The 23-year-old missed the European Championships last summer because to a ruptured hamstring in April 2024, and it took him eleven months to fully recover.
After struggling for playing time under previous manager Sean Dyche, the former Rangers player participated in some of Everton’s Premier League end-of-season games and is hoping for a new beginning under fellow Scot David Moyes.
Patterson, who has already earned 21 caps for Scotland, was identified as a crucial member of the current Scotland lineup. He is up against tough competition at right-back, though, as Celtic’s Anthony Ralston currently holds the starting spot, Max Johnston is playing well at Sturm Graz, and Aaron Hickey is recovering from his own hamstring problems.
Clarke was happy to have him back in the Scotland lineup, but he wants to play more to help him grow as a player.
Regarding Patterson, Clarke remarked, “He’s had a tough time.” Since he sustained his injury prior to the most recent Euros, we have been discussing it. Nathan hasn’t played for Scotland in more than a year. He and I have always kept in touch. His time at Everton hasn’t been easy. He would be the first to concur.
He hasn’t received enough playing time, but it was encouraging to see him get a few games recently as the season was coming to a close. He did alright. He is aware that in order to continue playing, he must play frequently in the upcoming season. He is aware that in order to advance in his profession and improve, he must play more frequently the following season. But Nathan’s return to the team is welcome.
Patterson and Scottish defender Kieran Tierney, who would earn his 50th cap if chosen, will both hoping to play against Iceland at Hampden. After six years at Arsenal, the 27-year-old is expected to return to Celtic this summer after his Scotland career has also been hampered by injuries.
“He has clearly demonstrated his value,” Clarke remarked. He is a very good player throughout his career. He’s a blessing to us. His amount of caps has likely been limited in recent years due to a few minor injury difficulties. We recognized him early on as one of those players.
“I recall traveling to London to meet him. He had recently relocated to Arsenal in order to discuss with him his position in the team and our expectations for him. We’ve had a great relationship ever since. We ought to be appreciative of his presence.
“The caps keep coming, and it doesn’t end at 50. To cap a number of guys who would form the backbone of the team going forward was my goal. There are now a lot of players in the team that are above 50. Kieran is simply one more to add to that.
“It was fantastic that he stayed at Arsenal and finished the way he did, rejoining the team and playing regular minutes off the bench. He continues reminding me that because he scored a goal from one in his most recent game against Southampton, I must put him forward for set-plays! Listen, Kieran is excited to return to Scotland and play. I’m pleased if Kieran is happy.
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