Nathan Patterson has handed Scotland a major boost ahead of next month's Euro qualifiers by stepping up his injury return.
The former Rangers star played 64 minutes for the Everton Under-21s as they drew with Tottenham Hotspur. The youngster lasted the planned hour of action as he bids to build up his fitness and help Sean Dyche's men secure their English Premier League status. Steve Clarke is also due to name his Scotland squad to face Cyprus and Spain in the coming weeks and seeing the full-back back will come as a major welcome to both the national team boss and the Tartan Army.
The 21-year-old was also delighted to get back on the pitch as he shared a picture of himself in action in his Instagram stories with the caption: "Good to get the hour, as planned, and blow away a few cobwebs."
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Everton currently sit 18th in the EPL standings after 22 games. They are in the relegation zone by one point with Leeds United one pint ahead and West Ham two. Wolves, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are all within touching distance as the battle to remain in the top flight continues.
Dyche got off to the perfect start by defeating Arsenal and picking up a huge three points before defeat to Liverpool last time out in the Merseyside derby. But the next two games are huge and could have a major say on their survival hopes with both Leeds United and Aston Villa visiting Goodison. A showdown with Nottingham Forest is also on the horizon for the Blues.
Getting Patterson back to full fitness and in the first-team picture will come as another big boost with the Scotland international playing 16 games in all competitions to date this season. He's made a real impact in the top team and earned some rave reviews from both pundits and fans.
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