Nathan Patterson has detailed the moment he was picked up by Rangers.
The Scotland international was just eight years old when a phone call from a scout would start to shape what would turn out to be his career path. Now, 21, that 13 years of hard work and graft has earned him a big money move to Everton in the English Premier League. He is in the midst of a battle for survival with two games to go and just one point above the relegation zone.
All focus is on keeping Sean Dyche's men in the top flight with Wolves away and Bournemouth at home the remaining fixtures. Looking back to where it all started as part of a long read in the Everton matchday programme from the game with Manchester City, the full-back has recalled his father receiving a phone call from Rangers, his initial reaction and how is mum is now a huge fan of football.
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Celtic, Motherwell, Hamilton, Falkirk and Hearts had all invited the youngster to trails before, but it was that conversation with his boyhood club that would prove the catalyst to where he finds himself today. He said: "I remember we were sitting down having dinner when my dad’s phone went. It was a scout from Rangers, who said they wanted to get me in and get me under contract.
"My first reaction was, 'Let's do it, where do I need to go and when?'... It was a great feeling and obviously also for my dad, who is a big Rangers fan.
“For him to have his son signing for the club he and his side of the family supports was a big thing for him. My mum wasn't a big football fan but she's had no choice over the years. She's kicking every ball with me now.
“Once I got picked up by Rangers my mum and dad were with me the whole way, of course... hailstones, pouring rain, they'd never miss a training session.
“I owe everything to them and I just want to repay what they did for me and make them as proud as I possibly can.”
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