View: Everton must be patient with Patterson after shock U23’s debut
Nathan Patterson made his first appearance for Everton last night (January 24) in an under-23’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Scotland international, 20, is yet to feature for the Toffees first team after joining the club in early January.
Coming in for £12million Patterson is one for the first team but he has to settle for the Premier League Two as Everton look to fix their problems at senior level.
Despite a shock demotion to the under- 23’s, earning a clean sheet, assist and win on his debut for the U23’s could be a sign of more things to come for the fullback on Merseyside and might just catch the attention of Duncan Ferguson.
Future
This is a smart move by Everton. With the senior squad having some time off during their winter break Patterson can further adjust to life in England.
The former Rangers youngster hasn’t played any minutes for the best part of a month, so it is vital he maintains his fitness and performance levels.
It is the perfect opportunity for him to further settle in on Merseyside by playing with his youth teammates who are also on the brink of first team action such as Jarrad Branthwaite, Ellis Simms and Lewis Dobbin.
It is a surprise he hasn’t featured in the first team yet after coming in for a fairly large fee considering his lack of experience but that indicates a long-term plan for the Scot.
He is probably delighted not to have featured at senior level yet with the Toffees form that bad.
He will get his chance soon but Patterson is a player who will help get us out of this mess in the long term but first he must be afforded patience.
In other Blues news, ‘Mistakes’ – Kia Joorabchian spotted in Everton directors box – journo.