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Former Everton defender Michael Ball has been impressed by Nathan Patterson's performances for Scotland over the international break.

Writing in his Liverpool Echo column, Ball highlights the young full-back's fearlessness while on duty and believes he could help produce positive results upon his return to domestic football.

He said: “Maybe Nathan’s one of those players that when it matters, they’re going to perform and he’s going to show what he can do. 

“He was pushing for games at Rangers and got a move to Everton Football Club so maybe that’s his style and that’s the way he is.

"There’s so many youngsters that just come in and they’re like a breath of fresh air.

“They’ve got nothing on their shoulders. They’re just going to go out and express themselves. They’ve got no fear of the opposition, they’re just going to go out and be the player that got themselves that opportunity in the first place.”

Meanwhile, Everton continues to support defender Vitaliy Mykolenko as the conflict in his homeland Ukraine continues.

Speaking to UA Tribuna, the left-back singled out Dutch loanee Donny van de Beek for his support during an extremely difficult period.

He said: “Donny van de Beek, a world-class player, approaches me and says, ‘My father and I want to rent a house for people, whether in the Netherlands or in Poland. We will take them from the border, settle them, pay for it.’

“I’m pleasantly shocked. I don’t know how to thank these people.”

Finally, Portuguese outlet O Jogo claims Sporting CP will look to reduce the buy-out clause of goalkeeper João Virgínia before making his move permanent.

The 22-year-old signed for the Primeira Liga side on loan last summer and has made nine appearances so far this term.