By Liam Thomas

22nd Sep, 2022 | 8:40am

Steve Clarke gives damming verdict on Everton's Nathan Patterson after defender stretchered off

Steve Clarke has been left stunned after Everton defender Nathan Patterson was stretchered off during Scotland’s 3-0 win over Ukraine.

Scotland put in a dazzling performance on the night, however, the victory was bitter-sweet after rising Everton star Patterson looked to suffer a serious injury.

Clarke admitted the defender’s injury “doesn’t look too good” but they are waiting for their assessment team to outline the extent of the injury.

Speaking to Premier Sports via the Daily Record, Clarke gave his damming verdict on Patterson’s injury, something Toffees won’t want to hear.

“It doesn’t look too good when he goes off on a stretcher,” he said. “He obviously felt something on his leg, we’ll just wait and see what the medics say and how it pans out. Hopefully, it’s not too serious and hopefully he’s not out too long.”

Patterson has had a terrific start to the campaign so it’s a shame if he will be out for numerous weeks now.

Devastating.

Clarke’s comments certainly don’t bode well for the Toffees to get their man back on Merseyside fit and ready to go, it looks like the injury will be long-term.

This is made even more devastating by the fact Patterson was out of action for half of last season with an injury; you’ve got to feel for the lad.

Early signs suggest he may be in for more of the same, Frank Lampard will be undoubtedly fuming at one of his prized assets getting injured in a meaningless international fixture.

Yet again the international break has shown its ugly cons, these fixtures weren’t needed with the upcoming World Cup just around the corner.

Even more so with the already crowded PL fixture list; this makes Patterson’s newest injury even more annoying.

Fingers crossed Patterson can get playing sooner rather than later, he’s been absolutely terrific in Everton’s new look backline this campaign.