Everton news: Hutton reveals details of ‘numerous conversations’ with Nathan Patterson
Alan Hutton has had “numerous conversations” with Nathan Patterson since his move to Everton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Spurs and Scotland defender revealed that he’s reassured Patterson, 20, that he’s good enough to make an impact at Goodison Park.
Everton signed Patterson from Rangers in January for what was a record fee for the Scottish club.
The right-back put pen to paper on a five-year deal on Merseyside.
Hutton is adamant the Scotland international will be a success in the Premier League.
“He’s got all it takes,” he told Football Insider.
“And I think all he needs is this preseason. He’s probably down there now, he feels comfortable, he’s settled. This preseason he can show his worth and I’m pretty sure that he’ll play next season.
“I think the problem for Patterson [at Rangers] was obviously James Tavernier.
“And it’s not a bad problem, it’s just that he’s the captain of the club, he’s pivotal to what Rangers do and he signed a new contract so he’s there for the foreseeable and it would have been difficult to get him out the team.
“There was a huge fee for Nathan Patterson and the club were always going to accept it.
“I think you have to back yourself and say ‘it’s time for me to go down south’, arguably playing in one of the best leagues in the world. I don’t think anybody can go against his decision.
“It’s always difficult, midseason, going down into a team where they were struggling, it was always going to be hard.
“Frank Lampard then comes in and he reverts back to people who know the club inside and out. So it was difficult for him to break through and the injury as well didn’t help.
“But there is no doubt in his ability.
“I’ve had numerous conversations with him over this time and always been reassuring him that he will break through, he is talented enough.
“He’s got all that it takes.”
In other news, Andre Gomes wants to quit Everton as marquee signing is lined up.