If Nathan Patterson feels down about a lack of game time for his club he isn’t showing it.
Not judging by the smile that beamed across his face on Thursday night after another exhilarating display for his country.
The Scotland youngster got to stretch his legs against Poland at Hampden after becoming rather stiff at Everton these last few months.
Just about every Tartan Army fan was saying the same thing about Patterson in midweek.
How can this guy not get a game at Goodison Park?
Even Toffees supporters online were scratching their heads at how Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny are keeping Patterson on the bench.
Despite his recent cold storage, he looked red hot at times against the Poles.
Who knows if Everton gaffer Frank Lampard was watching?
Patterson just wants to impress everyone.
And even though he’s barely kicked a ball in anger since a £16million move from Rangers to Merseyside, he won’t let it faze him.
Remember, at Ibrox Patterson was constantly left kicking his heels behind James Tavernier when it came to a starting slot.
Instead, the 20-year-old insists he’ll continue to graft and play his own game, confident he can eventually be a mainstay for club and country.
He said: “It was just good to be back playing again.
“I’ve been working hard in training to make sure I’m ready.
“I’m fit so I can go out there and give my best. That’s what I did. I have to make sure that when opportunities come along I show what I can do.
“I want to prove to people how good I am, no matter what the circumstances are.
“I want to prove to the Scotland gaffer he’s right to pick me and show the fans what I’m capable of.
“The manager shows belief in me and that was a great confidence booster.
“He picks me even when I am not playing at club level and that’s why I always do my best to repay him.
“Do I hope the Everton manager was watching? I hope everyone was watching.
“I always want people to watch me. It’s all about playing for me – that’s all I want to do.
“Clarke is great with me, very supportive. He always speaks to me before games and tells me not to force things on the pitch.
“He knows my position so it’s nice to have a manager who’s been in my place.
“I speak to him during the games as well, he talks me through situations.”
Incredibly, while Everton are battling relegation from the Premier League, Patterson has been a virtual spectator.
He’s had one start under Lampard – an FA Cup tie against non-league side Boreham Wood – and was hooked at half time.
But Patterson had to bide his time at Rangers and he’s willing to do the same at Everton.
His performances for Scotland only strengthen his belief that he can operate at the top level.
He said: “I’ve had this a lot since I was young.
“But I have good mental resilience and believe in myself. I know what I’m capable of.
“That attitude has helped me to get to where I am today and stood me in good stead so far in my career.
“It’s great to come away and play against some top countries with Scotland.
“Poland are a top side as are Austria who we play on Tuesday night and that will be another tough test.
“It’s great for me to get that experience especially when I’m so young.
“Sometimes I need to pinch myself that I’m playing for
Scotland – but that’s my life now.
“I enjoy it and can’t wait to get more experience under my belt.Scotland are a strong side with every player fighting for their position.
“Any player can come in and do a job in any game. That shows the strength and depth we have.
“We have a great group of boys and everyone is together.
“When I’m on the pitch I feel like everyone believes in me and that’s a great boost for any player.
“The other boys want to give you the ball and if you do something well they are quick to praise you.
“If something doesn’t come off, they are always on my side. It’s great to have that support.”
Patterson has brought a youthful exuberance to Steve Clarke’s national side, along with the likes of his old Rangers pal Billy
Gilmour.
Their relationship on the pitch was evident against Poland and the full-back admits he loves pulling on a dark blue shirt alongside his mate.
He said: “Billy and I have been playing together since we were eight.
“We know how to link up and he’s a good mate. It’s just nice to share a pitch with him.
“He sent me to the corner with an over-hit pass, though. He doesn’t realise that when you’re knackered you don’t want to be chasing the ball! No seriously, he’s great to play with.”
