Frank Lampard sent Nathan Patterson messages after 'difficult' Everton start

Scotland manager Steve Clarke has shared text messages with Everton boss Frank Lampard about Nathan Patterson, with the young full-back struggling for minutes at Goodison Park.

Patterson joined the Toffees from Rangers in January and his arrival was greeted with plenty of excitement from supporters, as he had been earning rave reviews for his performances north of the border.

Despite his tender years, Patterson had established himself as a dependable option for Rangers and he is also a regular for Clarke's Scotland side. The 20-year-old has six senior appearances for his country and has already netted one goal.

Although Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny have both struggled for form as of late, Lampard has been hesitant to turn to Patterson. So far, the Scot has only played 45 minutes of senior football for his new club, when he was hooked at half time against non-League Boreham Wood in the FA Cup.

Clarke was asked about Patterson's lack of action ahead of Scotland's upcoming fixtures and revealed he has been in conversation about the right-back with Lampard, per the Glasgow Times.

"He’s just got to be patient," he said. "I had a little text conversation with Frank about Nathan when he took over at Everton, and obviously I spoke very well about him. But Frank is in a situation where he has to get points on the board very quickly as they’re under a lot of pressure at Everton. So I understand the situation.

"It was difficult for Nathan as soon as Rafa Benitez lost his job because it was Rafa and the Sporting Director at that time who signed Nathan. So it’s obviously been a little bit difficult for him.

"But it’s all part of growing up, eh? It’s all part of the experience. He’s down there with a good move at a good club. He