Nathan Patterson survived Everton 'toxic shock' as Frank Lampard's key decision in post Rangers revival pinpointed

Michael Ball feared Nathan Patterson’s Everton career was in danger of being killed off before it even got started by a case of toxic shock.

But he believes the protective arm thrown round the former Rangers ace by Goodison gaffer Frank Lampard means he’s now set to flourish after successfully bedding into his new Premier League environment. The 20-year-old didn’t exactly live up to the hype during his first six months in England following his £12million switch from Ibrox.

He registered a grand total of just 45 minutes of action after being hooked at half-time on his debut in an FA Cup tie against Boreham Wood in March. Surgery on an ankle injury brought an early end to his campaign without him making another appearance but the question marks over his signing - sanctioned by former boss Rafa Benitez - continued to float about Liverpool during his two-month injury lay-off amid ill-informed speculation that new manager Lampard didn’t fancy the Scotland full-back.

But former Gers and Toffees star Ball reckons Patterson has good reason to thank the Chelsea and England legend for keeping him out of the firing line as his new side battled for their Premier League existence. Everton were a club at war with itself last year.

The appointment of former Anfield boss Benitez went down at Goodison about as well as Boris Johnson announcing a Merseyside visit. The rancour that decision prompted was only swatted away when Lampard arrived to lead the club on its successful survival mission.

And with the gloom lifted, Lampard finally felt safe to unleash Patterson against the biggest names down south. Now with seven Premier League run outs under his belt, its safe to say Lampard’s faith has been repaid with a string of of stand-out