Nathan Patterson: Pundit issues ‘bizarre’ Everton claim after message sent to Lampard
Kevin Phillips has tipped Everton manager Frank Lampard to give Nathan Patterson more game time after the international break.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the 2000 European Golden Shoe winner said “it’s bizarre” how little the 20-year-old has played this year.
Patterson impressed for Scotland on Thursday in a 1-1 draw with Poland at Hampden Park.
The right-back did not show any signs of rustiness despite a severe lack of game time at Goodison Park.
As quoted by the Daily Record (27 March), Patterson sent a message to his club manager Frank Lampard by saying “I hope everyone was watching.”
When asked for his thoughts on Patterson’s lack of game time, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “It is a bizarre one.
“You can look at it two ways. A lot of managers stick with players that they know, players with experience when they come upon hard times in the Premier League.
“But sometimes, when players have been there for that long you think it’s better to give it a fresh approach. Something clearly has to change at Everton. That might be bringing the young kid Patterson in. They need to find some form.
“From Lampard’s point of view, it is great to see Patterson doing well for Scotland. He might chuck him in. Everton have nothing to lose at this point. Give him that opportunity.”
In other news, a pundit has demanded harsher punishment after Everton controversy analysed.