McLeish delivers ‘100%’ Patterson claim after Everton source reveal
Alex McLeish has insisted the time was right for Nathan Patterson to depart Rangers for Everton.
The former Gers boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 20-year-old could usurp Seamus Coleman in the Toffees pecking order as early as this season.
Everton confirmed the signing of Patterson from Rangers on Tuesday.
A Toffees source told Football Insider (4 January) the Scotland international will earn £28,000-a-week on Merseyside after penning a five-and-a-half-year deal at Goodison.
Rafa Benitez’s side paid £12million for the defender’s services with the potential for the fee to reach £16million after add-ons.
When asked if Patterson had picked the right time to leave Rangers, McLeish told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “100%. It’s absolutely the right time.
“I can imagine his family and the people around him will be ecstatic. He’s gone to a big club in world football. Everton have got a lot to do but they’ve taken on a real precocious talent, wow.
“Rafa Benitez obviously means business, and he knows what it takes to get results. He needs quality, and he’s obviously seen certain qualities and potential in Patterson.
“He’ll be much more prevalent at Everton. He’s gonna play second fiddle to Coleman slightly less than he would with James Tavernier.
“It’s up to him to really go for it, grow in stature in the Premier League and nail down that first-team spot this season.”
Everton skipper Coleman, 33, has made 14 Premier League appearances this term – all but one coming on the right flank.
Patterson will also face competition for places from former Celtic loanee Jonjoe Kenny.
In other news, Everton plot move for 20-year-old Man United sensation.