Frank Lampard has hailed Nathan Patterson's character after the former Rangers kid stepped up to hit a penalty for Everton against Celtic.
Ange Postecoglou's homecoming tour in the Sydney Super Cup came to an end today as the English Premier League outfit and the Scottish champions played out a goalless draw before the Toffees grabbed the bragging rights on penalties. It was a similar story to the Hoops' Champions League campaign with big chances missed ultimately proving to be their downfall.
It was a moment to remember for Patterson with his Rangers links as he got to face off against old rivals Celtic once again. His career at Everton started slowly but he is now flying and a key member of Lampard's first team. The former Chelsea and England legend has revealed what the Scotland star needs to do next in order to push on.
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He said: "He was with his Rangers links. I was more than happy for him to take it. I like lads who stand up. Patts has got some character. He is a good lad and nicely competitive.
"Patts was really good for us at the start of the season. Then he got an injury while playing with Scotland and since he has come back in, he has still been finding his feet to get back to those levels but as a young player that is normal.
"He needs to push on now. I thought he did well with bits today but there were a couple of bits that he could be cleaner on, but he is a really good player for us.
"I was always confident about the attacking side of his game, but as a young player I wanted to see him defensively. At the start of the season it was spot-on and I think he really needs to continue focusing on that side of it. Today, the challenge that was put to him against a player who has got a lot of ability to go either way. I thought he defended pretty well."
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