Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Thu 26 March 2026 11:10, UK

Nathan Patterson admits to being unhappy at how his time at Everton has panned out, but the defender is ready to take his opportunity when it arises.

The 24-year-old arrived on Merseyside from Rangers in a deal worth a reported £11million in January 2022.

Patterson was tipped as being one of the next big things, but injury setbacks soon saw to that.

In a little over four years as an Everton player, the Scotland international has been restricted to just 65 appearances in all competitions.

Patterson has been regularly tipped to exit Everton, but he remains at Hill Dickinson Stadium for now and remains hopeful of making an impact.

Nathan Patterson opens up on frustrating Everton career

Patterson has been used just six times in the Premier League this season, starting only half of those matches.

In all competitions, meanwhile, the full-back has featured seven times for a total of 239 minutes – clearly not enough to make any sort of impression.

Patterson is now away on international duty with Scotland for this week’s friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.

Speaking to reporters at the Scotland camp, Patterson opened up on a frustrating spell in his career but insisted he is ready to go if called upon.

“I’ve matured a bit now, I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs. Quite a lot of downs, to be honest, in terms of injuries,” he said, as per the Daily Record.

“But it’s only going to benefit me for my future ahead. What have I learned about myself? That I’ve got a lot of patience and that I’m quite strong minded.

“I always believe in myself as well. You need to have that when you’re at a high level. You need to have that confidence.

“Any time you go on the pitch, you need to be ready to show what you can do. You need to be patient for an opportunity and when it comes, you have to take it.

“I’m just looking to try and get some games now. You just have to get on with it and make sure that when you come back, you’re ready. I feel really good now, I’m just looking forward to getting on the pitch.”

Patterson has made clear he is injury free and just looking to play some games, which is not happening at Everton.

And the defender stating he simply wants to make the most of his chances when they arrive sums up everything that is right with Everton right now.

Patterson has added Hill Dickinson Stadium incentive to impress with Scotland

Scotland’s first friendly, against Japan, will take place at their usual home of Hampden Park on Saturday evening.

The Tartan Army will then head to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to face Ivory Coast at a neutral venue.

Patterson really is in make-or-break territory at Everton right now, and playing on his home patch – potentially in front of David Moyes – will give him all the incentive he needs.

Many will wonder quite why he has not been given more of a chance, but that is only something Moyes can answer.

And who knows, should Patterson shine for Scotland in their two fixtures, and injuries or suspensions kick in at Everton, the Scotsman could yet have his say on the Toffees’ campaign.