Scotland defender set sights on World Cup after difficult spell with injuries
Scotland defender Nathan Patterson is confident his lack of game time for Everton won’t hinder his chances of making Steve Clarke’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The 24-year-old defender has been called up for the first time in nine months for the upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast despite starting just three league games on Merseyside this season, but says he is refusing to allow his frustration at club level affect his World Cup dreams.
After missing the European Championships in 2024 due to a ruptured hamstring, the former Rangers youngster is determined to impress in this month’s Scotland camp, starting with Saturday’s game against Japan at Hampden Park, which comes almost exactly two years to the day from his last international start.
Nathan Patterson has struggled for regular game time at Everton this season.placeholder image
Nathan Patterson has struggled for regular game time at Everton this season. | Getty Images
“It’s hard but that’s just football,” said Patterson. “Sometimes it doesn’t go your way. Your close family helps you, keep you grounded and make sure you’re ready to go. The staff at Everton have been brilliant and it’s just about having a close circle around you. It was gutting to hear that I wouldn’t be a part of the Euros but it’s done now. It was a big disappointment but I just have to make sure I’m there in the summer.
“I know I’m fully fit and ready to play. Hopefully I can get some minutes. You just have to get on with it and make sure that when you come back, you’re ready. You know that you’ll come back in a better place than you were before. I feel really good now, I’m just looking forward to getting on the pitch.
“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. But it’s only going to be 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.”
Linked with a move away from Everton in January, Patterson has an uncertain future ahead of him. After playing a total of just 239 minutes in the Premier League for David Moyes’ side this term, La Liga outfit Sevilla were rumoured to have an interest in a loan deal in the final throes of the winter transfer window. However, despite the uncertainty around his future, Patterson’s priority is to ensure he is part of Clarke’s final squad for the World Cup in North America this June.
“Any time you go on the pitch, you need to be ready to show what you can do,” said Patterson. “You need to be patient for an opportunity and when it comes, you have to take it. That’s the same in every industry but it’s more scrutinised in football. I’m just looking to try and get some games now.
Read More
“I've come back in and played a few games for Everton and I feel really fit. I don't feel as if I'm at a stage where I'm doubting my body at the minute, so I'm happy with where I am. That’s [his Everton future] a discussion for myself and the manager to have. But my focus is just on Scotland right now.”