Scotland media react to Patterson performance as Japan win at Hampden

Nathan Patterson garnered underwhelming reviews from the Scottish media, after the Everton defender and his Scotland team were beaten 1-0 by Japan in a friendly on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old started for the Tartan Army in their loss to Japan at Hampden, but was subbed off on 80 minutes to be replaced by Celtic’s Anthony Ralston.

Patterson earned his 24th senior Scotland cap on Saturday evening, and has a good chance at being on their plane for the World Cup this summer.

However, he’s not guaranteed a ticket to football’s greatest show, and his mere six Premier League appearances for Everton this season won’t be helping his cause.

That’s why it’s crucial that Patterson gets as many minutes as he can during Everton’s Premier League run-in, and of course take his opportunity when Scotland boss Steve Clarke calls upon him.

Scottish media all agree on Nathan Patterson’s Scotland showing

Patterson is facing an uncertain future at Everton, with David Moyes clearly not overly keen on the right-back’s starting XI credentials at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

So, with the Toffees boss undoubtedly watching on given his Tartan Army allegiances, did he do enough to catch his eye in a positive light?

Goodison News has searched through the ratings from across numerous outlets, and well, judging by the reactions in the Scottish media, probably not.

The Scotsman wrote: “Made his first start for Scotland in two years and kept Daizen Maeda quiet.

“Had one hairy moment early on when he slipped. Played a little too safe going forward, with the crowd often urging him to drive at the Japan defence. 5.”

Meanwhile, Edinburgh News said: “Making his first international start since March 2024, the Everton defender linked up well with McGinn down the right flank. Offensively not at his best. Room for improvement. Subbed. 6.”

Finally, the Daily Record went with: “Nathan Patterson 6: Back in the fold for Scotland after two years away and dd OK against the likes of Maeda and Mitoma. Signs of ring-rust and looks like a player who needs more minutes.”

Patterson’s World Cup chances may rest on Hill Dickinson game

Scotland have another friendly against Ivory Coast on Tuesday night, and given how the Scottish media have reacted to his Japan performance, Patterson may require a much better showing in that one.

As such, with his ticket to the World Cup not yet punched, it just would be Hill Dickinson Stadium of all places where his chances of being on the plane could rest.

That’s because Scotland’s friendly with Ivory Coast is being played at Everton’s ground, meaning there should be a healthy contingent of Toffees there cheering him on too.

Patterson looks primed to start that game given he was in the lineup against Japan, and with the aforementioned Ralston probably more of a lock to make the World Cup squad, Clarke may wish to take another long look at the Everton defender.

So, if you’re heading to Hill Dickinson on Tuesday night, be sure to get behind Patterson, as he could be in need of a big performance to put Clarke’s mind at rest that he can take him as part of his squad crossing the pond this summer.

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