Steve Clarke gushes over Everton ace Nathan Patterson amid injury worry
Scotland manager Steve Clarke was left gushing over Everton defender Nathan Patterson following his performance against Poland.
The right-back put in a mightily impressive display as the Tartan Army were pegged back to 1-1 by a late penalty by which point the Blues defender was off the pitch.
Clarke admitted he had subbed Patterson, after he saw him stretching during play, to avoid the risk of injury.
He told Daily Record: “It’s good having these young players. Gilmour and Nathan Patterson played on Thursday, young Aaron Hickey came off the bench as well.
“We have a good age so this group of players can go for another two, three or four tournaments if they want. That is fantastic for the future.”
Clarke added: “I had no worries about Nathan, none whatsoever.
“I know the level he has gone down to train in and even just training at that level, working with English Premier League players, it’s a good level.
“As long as he’s doing his work properly on the training pitch then he’ll always have enough in his legs to come and play for us.
“I saw him stretching and when he starts to stretch you don’t want to risk an injury for the boy so we took him off.”
Play him
The last thing Everton need right now is Patterson injured. Understandably, he has barely played since joining in January and might still face some time on the sidelines as Frank Lampard desperately looks to solve the Blues’ relegation crisis.
His answer could be right under his nose in the shape of the 20-year-old though.
The Scot was so good for his country last night despite playing very little football of late. He charged up and down that right-hand side with great conviction, proving himself an excellent defender and a very able attacker also.
He showed all of the qualities the Toffees have missed greatly this season: drive, energy, aggression, tackling, attacking and genuine desire to play at his best. The lad has a point to prove and Lampard has to take notice of his international display.
He has tried so many different combinations in defence to very little success so what has the former Chelsea boss got to lose?
In other Everton news, View: Nathan Patterson sends Frank Lampard a back-handed message.
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