Steve Clarke says he had no concerns ‘whatsoever’ that Nathan Patterson could play a role for Scotland despite his lack of minutes so far at Everton, via quotes by the Glasgow Times.
Frank Lampard has been loath to field the defender since replacing Rafa Benitez, who had signed Patterson in January. The Toffees backed the Spaniard to the tune of £12m, rising to £16m with add-ons, to finally end their long-running search for Seamus Coleman’s heir.
But Patterson is yet to break through and displace the Blues’ 33-year-old captain, with the 20-year-old only playing 45 minutes. Lampard hauled the full-back off at half-time during his debut at home National League side Boreham Wood in the FA Cup earlier this month.
A few flashes of attacking intent with plenty of the ball failed to persuade Lampard that he is ready to replace Coleman. Patterson rarely used his time in possession to good effect, so fell victim to a need for fresh ideas. He has been on the bench twice over four games since.
Yet Clarke had no issue handing Patterson his seventh cap and fourth start for Scotland at home to Poland on Thursday. A night in which he displayed great attacking intent and ran rings around Arkadiusz Reca, as the Rangers product continually burst down the channel.
Steve Clarke had ‘no worries’ over Patterson for Scotland despite Everton plight
His night eventually ended on 67 minutes as Clarke feared Patterson sustaining an injury as the Everton outcast began stretching. But the Scotland boss believes that despite a lack of games on Merseyside, training at the Premier League side is enough for the Tartan Army.
“I had no worries about Nathan, none whatsoever,” he said. “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. But his performance was really good for a boy who has had so little football.”
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