Everton starlet Nathan Patterson shines in ‘rampaging’ Scotland display
Things have not got off to the start everybody wanted for Nathan Patterson at Everton but he proved last night that he still has what it takes to succeed.
The 20-year-old started Scotland’s international friendly against Poland and showed the world just what he is capable of if given the opportunity.
A dazzling display at both ends of the pitch had pundits purring and fans on the edge of their seats as the Scots were pegged back late to draw 1-1.
Daily Record journalist Keith Jackson gave his verdict on Scotland’s draw last night and had particular praise for how the young Toffee bounced back from a tough couple of months.
“There was much for the manager to feel pleased about – not least the sight of Nathan Patterson rampaging out of cold storage as if the last three months of frostbite at Goodison had never happened,” Jackson said.
“Ultimately, what took place on the pitch was kept in context by the outpouring of generosity and goodwill which was so overwhelming off it.
“Patterson almost got them off to a flyer nine minutes in when he slalomed his way into the box.
“Had it not been for the surface spray holding the ball up, he might have done a lot better than jab a left-foot shot which keeper Lukasz Skorupski was able to gather comfortably.
“Still, it was a sign of Scottish intent and an indication that Patterson’s edge has not been blunted by three months of heel kicking on Everton’s bench.”
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Frank Lampard will want Patterson to play in the blue of Everton too if he had the luxury of little to play for but he has to face reality first.
The Toffees’ position in the Premier League is precarious at best and now is not the time to be throwing an unknown 20-year-old entity into the limelight in the hope he stands up to the pressure.
If Everton can build on their previous victory at home to Newcastle in the Premier League, then maybe they can edge to safety and then the boss will be able to put Patterson into games without having to worry about his naivety costing them.
Lampard will still be encouraged by what he saw from the Scot last night and if he can do something similar on Merseyside, you won’t hear many complaints.
In other Everton news, Jackson wasn’t the only one who loved what he saw from Patterson last night as this BBC pundit was in awe of the youngster.
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