- Nathan Patterson made his World Cup debut against Haiti
- Questions over the defender’s Everton future remain unresolved
- Scotland success could reshape thinking on both sides
Nathan Patterson’s name has featured in plenty of transfer speculation recently, but one important point is worth remembering: he has never publicly indicated that he wants to leave Everton.
That makes Scotland’s World Cup campaign an interesting one for Evertonians.
After another season disrupted by injuries, Patterson finds himself at an important stage of his career. He remains a player Everton invested heavily in and one whose potential is still recognised, yet he has never been able to put together the sustained run of appearances needed to truly establish himself.
Scotland’s 1-0 victory over Haiti offered the latest reminder of where he currently stands.
Patterson was involved, but only from the bench, playing the final 15 minutes as Steve Clarke’s side secured an important opening win.
A chance to rebuild his standing
The World Cup is unlikely to determine Patterson’s future on its own. However, it does offer something he has struggled to find over the past few years: a platform.
Scotland’s remaining group games against Morocco and Brazil will provide a much sterner test than Haiti. If Patterson earns more minutes and performs well, it would give him a chance to remind people why Everton signed him from Rangers in the first place.
His ability has never really been in question.
His pace and willingness to get forward have always suggested there is a Premier League full-back in there. The problem has been staying fit long enough to show it.
Obviously you want to play as much as you can but it’s not really up to me, I can only do what I can on the pitch. That’s a discussion for myself and the manager to have [on his future]. But my focus is just on Scotland right now.
An important summer for player and club
David Moyes has plenty of decisions to make this summer, and right-back is one area where Everton will almost certainly still look to strengthen.
At the same time, Patterson is only 24 and still has time to fulfil the promise that made him one of Scotland’s brightest prospects.
A good World Cup would not guarantee him a bigger role next season, nor would it end speculation about his future. But what it could do is remind everyone – including himself – that there is still a player worth persevering with.
For a footballer whose Everton career has too often been interrupted before it could properly get going, that could be invaluable.
