- Patterson was handed a surprise recall to Scotland’s starting XI against Morocco.
- The Everton full-back played 88 minutes in a 1-0 defeat at Gillette Stadium.
- Was preferred to Aaron Hickey only after a late injury blow to the Brentford man.
Scotland’s bright start to the World Cup hit a speed bump as Morocco narrowly beat them 1-0 in Foxborough, with Ismael Saibari’s early strike enough to send the Atlas Lions top of Group C.
Most expected Steve Clarke to go into the game with a similar set-up to the Haiti game, but a reshuffle, designed to allow Kieran Tierney to man-mark Hakimi, meant a recall for Everton right-back Nathan Patterson at the expense of Aaron Hickey.
As it happened, he could have picked an easier night to return to the side. Patterson was up against a Moroccan front line with loads of pace and movement, and Scotland were behind before they’d even had time to settle.
Caught cold
Morocco needed barely a minute to deflate the loud and raucous Tartan Army. A long ball over the top released Ismael Saibari, with Grant Hanley unable to decide whether to stay tight or drop off, and the forward took a touch before firing into the roof of Angus Gunn’s net – the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Patterson, utilised on the right of a back five as Clarke shuffled his pack, was, it appeared, identified as a target. He was tested repeatedly in the opening exchanges and was also guilty of giving the ball away cheaply when the Scots had possession.
For a player who’d barely kicked a ball at this World Cup and had limited playing time for the Toffees last season, it was a tough introduction.
Steadies the ship after the early setback
But he and his teammates didn’t buckle. As Scotland grew into the contest after that nightmare opening spell, Patterson too settled into his role, helping keep Morocco’s lead at just one.
Scotland were better in the second half, playing with more purpose and intensity, which in turn stirred the Tartan Army into life. Penalty shouts for possible fouls on John McGinn and Scott McTominay were waved away, and Morocco’s classy, slick football still prevailed, but it was better from the Scots.
Patterson played his part through to the closing stages, making way for Anthony Ralston in the 88th minute as Clarke tried to see out a win that never came.
It was a mixed evening for the 24-year-old – clearly not a headline act in any way, shape or form, but steady after a difficult opening 20 minutes.
What it means for Evertonians
For those watching from Merseyside, this was a rare extended run-out for a player who has had a difficult time of it over the past couple of seasons. With David Moyes already exploring other right-back options this summer, including interest in Ivory Coast’s Guela Doue, minutes like last night’s matter for Patterson ahead of 2026/27.
Scotland now turn to a final group game against Brazil knowing a result, and possibly a bit of luck elsewhere, could still be enough to send them through to the knockout phase.
Whether Patterson did enough to keep the shirt or goes back to the bench behind Hickey is now down to Clarke.
