Everton man Nathan Patterson predicted to miss out in crucial Scotland v Cyprus Euro 2024 qualifier
Everton defender Nathan Patterson has been tipped to miss out on a starting berth when Scotland face Cyprus in a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday (8 September) by Football Scotland writer Blair Meikle.
Meikle had a go at predicting how the Tartan Army will line up in Larnaca, with Patterson – who is back fit and playing for the Toffees this season – not among his choices.
Instead, Brentford man Aaron Hickey was selected to play in the right wing-back berth for Steve Clarke’s side, who are are top of qualifying Group A with 12 points from four matches.
“Now that Nathan Patterson is back fit and playing regularly for Everton, Hickey has a bit of competition at right wing-back,” Meikle wrote for Football Scotland (8 September).
“But the Brentford man has done nothing wrong during his run of games and deserves to keep the jersey.”
Right call
Every fan wants to see players from their club playing and excelling on the international stage and Evertonians would be no different when it comes to Nathan Patterson.
But there can be no denying Patterson has had his fair share of injuries, and Hickey has been a solid and dependable option in the same position as the Scots have earned a perfect record in their pool.
So, it stands to reason that Patterson should miss out as Scotland look to take a step further towards qualifying for the tournament being played in Germany next Summer.
Patterson is still young and will have plenty of opportunities to play for his country in the future. His immediate aim should be on staying fit and playing as much football for Everton as possible.
By doing so, he will ensure he has a great chance of making the plane should Scotland get the job done and earn a place at Euro 2024.
In other Everton news, Andros Townsend has sent a three-word message as transfer news involving the Toffees has emerged.