Nathan Patterson determined to make Scotland World Cup squad after Euro blow

Nathan Patterson hopes to use his Euro 2024 disappointment as motivation to earn a place in Scotland’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.

The 24-year-old Everton right-back missed out on Steve Clarke’s group for European Championships in Germany two years ago through injury.

However, after watching the Scots qualify for the global showpiece for the first time since 1998, the former Rangers defender was called up for warm-up friendlies against Japan at Hampden on Saturday and Ivory Coast at the Toffees’ Hill Dickinson Stadium three days later.

Speaking at the national stadium, Patterson, whose last cap was in the 4-0 friendly win away to Liechtenstein last summer, before missing out on the World Cup qualifiers, said: “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 amongst them again.

“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.”

He continued: “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.”