Nathan Patterson named Everton cult hero as Frank Lampard gushes 'what a start to the season'

Frank Lampard has paid tribute to Nathan Patterson for his vibrant start to the season.

The Toffees boss tipped his cap to the resilient Scotland international defender, praising the 20-year-old for showing the bravery and steel to overcome a difficult start to life in the Premier League. Patterson completed a move to Goodison Park from Rangers back in January but initially struggled to make a meaningful impact.

Forty-five minutes in an FA Cup tie against National League side Boreham Wood was all the former Ibrox right-back managed as he also picked up an ankle injury before the season concluded. But Patterson has bounced back with renewed purpose and turned in excellent display during Saturday's Merseyside derby draw with Liverpool and it's not gone unnoticed with his manager. Lampard said: “What a start to the season – he was injured when he was about to make his debut last year, so it has been hard.

“But he has shown character: people say he’s a really good offensive full back, but his defensive game has been excellent. It is hard on the full backs when we switched to a back four, because there are a lot more questions asked. But he has done great, and he’s a young player so he’s only going to get better.”

It was left to former Liverpool star Danny Murphy to put into perspective Patterson’s display in the derby, where he kept the exciting Luis Diaz on a short leash, and still had time to feature in Everton ’s most dangerous attacks. And Murphy put his finger on the Scot’s appeal to the Goodison faithful when he said: “I think the fans are going to love him, the way he bombs forward and gets a foot in. They love that, the Evertonians.

“The defensive work is impressive too. He has the strength to keep the ball