A revitalised Nathan Patterson is eager to press his claims for Premier League action as Everton intensify new season preparations in the USA.
Scotland international defender Patterson was on the cusp of a first appearance in England’s top-flight when an ankle injury prematurely ended his 2021/22 in April.
He recovered in time to feature for his country in a pair of post-season friendlies.
And Patterson could have his first opportunity to gather momentum when Everton begin their pre-season fixtures with a game against Arsenal in Baltimore at midnight BST on Saturday.
The meeting with the London club and a clash with MLS team Minnesota United on Wednesday represent the marquee events of Everton’s stateside training camp, where Patterson is savouring an unbroken period working with “top” manager Frank Lampard.
And, participating in an official Everton Twitter Q&A, Patterson disclosed his determination to muscle into Lampard’s plans in time for Chelsea’s visit to Goodison Park on the opening day of 2022/23 next month.
“I’m buzzing to get started and can’t wait for the new season,” said Patterson.
“I’m looking forward to stepping out in front of the Goodison crowd and looking forward to my Premier League debut as well.
“It’s brilliant working with someone [Lampard] who’s played at the top level, been there for a long time and won a lot of trophies, like the Premier League and Champions League.
“You’re just going to learn from working with a top coach like the gaffer, so I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”
Patterson had a dizzying couple of years prior to the injury that thwarted a likely Premier League outing at West Ham United on 3 April.
He played his first Scottish Premiership football for Rangers in August 2020, two months after a Europa League debut for the Glasgow club,
Patterson figured more frequently for Rangers towards the end of 2020/21, performing well enough to earn full Scotland honours and a place in the country’s squad for the delayed 2020 European Championship.
The cavalier full-back, who says he owes a debt of gratitude to his national-team boss, Steve Clarke, completed a move to Everton days after the opening of the winter 2022 transfer window.
Patterson, who was limited to 45 minutes of action in an FA Cup tie with Boreham Wood following his January arrival, counts the indefatigable Club captain Seamus Coleman as a rival for the position on the right of Everton’s defence.
But the younger man’s admiration for a competitor 13 years his senior is absolute. So too Patterson’s regard for 21-year-old forward Anthony Gordon, a player who has dazzled the Scot in seven months on Merseyside.
“There are a lot [of players I’ve been impressed with]… the squad has great talent,” said Patterson.
“But it’d probably be Anthony Gordon [who has impressed me most], just for his age and how much of an impact he has on the squad – and obviously he’s a top guy, too.”
Sharing a dressing room with Coleman, continued Patterson, “is top. He’s a great guy. Since I’ve walked in the door, he’s been very supportive on and off the pitch, making sure I’m well every day. I’m looking forward to working with him throughout the season.”
On Clarke, the man responsible for awarding the player 10 Scotland caps, beginning with a debut against Luxembourg shortly before Euro 2021, Patterson said: “It [Scotland debut] was a great moment for me in my career and for my family as well.
“I'm really looking forward to keeping pushing on with Scotland. I have a great relationship with Steve Clarke – he’s really developed me, he’s pushed me along with the Scotland squad and got me involved at a young age.
“I’m very thankful for that. He’s a great guy and a top coach.”
