Nathan Patterson is aiming to turn limited opportunities into a defining moment, with Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium potentially serving as the launchpad for his World Cup ambitions with Scotland.
Although the right-back has only made one Premier League start at the new venue, he is now looking to seize every minute on the pitch as Scotland gear up for a long-awaited return to the global stage.
For Patterson, the stakes are high, as the Tartan Army prepare for their first World Cup appearance since 1998, before he was even born.
As the countdown to the tournament gathers pace, Scotland will test their readiness with upcoming friendlies, first hosting Japan at Hampden Park before facing Ivory Coast at Everton’s waterfront stadium.
That fixture, in particular, offers Patterson a valuable chance to impress on familiar turf.
Meanwhile, the 24-year-old is drawing motivation from past setbacks, especially his absence from Euro 2024 due to injury.
Now back in contention, he is determined to force his way into Steve Clarke’s final squad.
Patterson has been capped 23 times but last turned out for his country as a 68th minute substitute in the 4-0 friendly win away to Liechtenstein on June 9, before missing out on the World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s been a while. I had a few injuries and got myself sorted, but it’s nice to be back, nice to see the lads and good to get among them again,” he said.
“The disappointment not to be a part of the Euro squad and miss out through injury was obviously hard to take, but we’ve got another huge tournament in the summer. I want to make sure I’m there.
“I would have loved to be there (Euros) and be involved, but these things happen and my main aim is to make sure I’m in the squad for the World Cup.
“It’s nice to come away and I’ll try and get as many minutes as I can here and put in some good performances.”
At club level, Patterson’s game time has been limited, logging just 355 minutes across seven appearances during a brief run between December and January.
Nevertheless, he believes he is now fully fit and ready to compete at the highest level.
He added: “I feel really good. I’ve come came back and I’ve played a few games for Everton and I feel really fit.
“I don’t feel as if I’m at a stage where I’m doubting my body at the minute, so I’m happy where I’m at.
“I think the main thing is just to be confident and go express yourself.
“You’re in the squad for a reason and it’s just about enjoying it as well. The main thing is just impress but just do it the way you do it.
“I know what I’m capable of and I know what I bring to the team.”
As Scotland fine-tune their preparations and competition for places intensifies, Patterson knows the next few fixtures could be decisive.
With momentum building, he now looks ready to step up and stake his claim on football’s biggest stage.
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