Everton: Fresh Nathan Patterson claim emerges at Goodison Park

Everton defender Nathan Patterson ‘will eventually’ force his way past Seamus Coleman in the pecking order, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The highly-rated 20-year-old arrived at Goodison Park in a £16 million move from boyhood club Rangers during the January transfer window but is yet to find his best form.

Patterson signed a five-and-a-half-year contract upon his arrival at Everton yet failed to make a single appearance under the manager who signed him, Rafa Benitez.

The Spanish tactician was relieved of his duties just a couple of weeks after the right-back arrived on Merseyside, and he’s struggled for first-team opportunities since.

Frank Lampard was named as Benitez’s successor on deadline day and has selected the vastly experienced Coleman in all of his seven top-flight fixtures at the helm since.

As a result, Patterson has only made one outing for the Toffees during his short stay and was hauled off at half-time against National League outfit Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fifth round.

However, at 33, Coleman’s days at the top level are surely numbered, and Patterson could become the Irishman’s long-term heir when the current campaign is concluded.

Patterson became Rangers’ record ever sale after making just 27 appearances, increasing the expectation over his potential development.

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And although the youngster’s made a slow start to life at Everton, O’Rourke believes he will ‘force his way’ into the starting lineup eventually.

He told GiveMeSport: “He’s just got to keep pounding away and force his way in there. I think he will eventually, but I’m not sure anyone at Everton expected him to come in and play every week.”

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