Scotland make Nathan Patterson decision amid lack of Everton minutes since arriving from Rangers

Nathan Patterson has been included in Scotland’s latest squad for the upcoming international break.

The Everton defender features in Steve Clarke’s set-up for games against Poland and Austria or Wales later this month.

That’s despite Patterson struggling for game-time since his arrival from Rangers in the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old moved to Goodison Park for a fee that could rise to around £16 million.

However, Patterson has had to be patient since joining the Toffees.

He’s made just one appearance so far. That came in the 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round defeat of Boreham Wood - in which he was withdrawn at half-time.

Patterson was left out of Frank Lampard’s squad for Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Wolves.

Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny have been preferred at right-back.

Scotland were due to play a World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine on 24 March.

That game has understandably been postponed amid Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. They now hope to meet in June.

Poland were set to face Russia but have been given a bye into the final after Russia was banned from the competition.

Scotland or Ukraine will then meet Austria or Wales for a place in the World Cup finals in Qatar at the end of the year.