CALLUM PATERSON took a tour of the Nou Camp last week during a few precious days off and is delighted that it won’t be the last European stadium he visits this year.
His Hearts side are back in the Europa League, the qualifiers start in early July, and they won't be alone because after Hibernian’s William Hill Scottish Cup win on Saturday, both Edinburgh clubs are in Europe. That has happened for 24 years.
Paterson, unsurprisingly and intelligently, stayed away from Leith Walk on Sunday. It is no place for a Jambo at the best of times, never mind when the Scottish Cup is bring paraded from an open top bus.
“I bought myself a fish tank so I spent Sunday setting it up,” revealed Paterson. There will be no ignoring the other half of the Capital next season even if they remain in different leagues.
"It's massive and a great achievement for both clubs,” said Paterson who was readying himself to join up with the Scotland squad. “Hearts are definitely looking forward to playing in Europe. We've been there before recently and we like playing there.
“Obviously, we have a huge rivalry in Edinburgh. This was a massive cup win for them and we should congratulate them but that’s all I really want to say about it. I watched the game and, after the final whistle, I switched over to watch the FA Cup final so I didn’t see any of the scenes that happened afterwards.
“You look at the teams which won the cups this season and that’s what we’ve got to be doing. That’s got to be among our aims every year.”
Paterson, 21, had a fine season at right-back for Hearts. He has found consistency in his game and while his call-up by Gordon Strachan is more about getting in numbers for two end of season games, his inclusion is nonetheless deserved.
“The Scotland squad fly out tomorrow and I’ll just take it from there. I found out I’d been selected just before we finished up at Hearts and it was good to know I wasn’t going to be sitting around my house all summer,” he said.
“Having the opportunity to go away with the national team and express myself is a great thing. I’m looking forward to meeting up with everyone. I can’t be nervous about it.I’ve got nothing to lose, essentially, and I’m just hoping to get the chance to impress the manager.
“The first time I was called into the squad was due to a few other players in the squad being injured but this is different so, hopefully, I can show what I can do.
“It’s where I want to be and I would’ve been there no matter what. Since the start of my career I’ve always wanted to play for Scotland. There’s no problem at this end of the season. The gaffer [Robbie Neilson] spoke to Gordon Strachan about it and everything is fine.”
France and Italy are two of the world’s best teams and while these two matches may not be the most noteworthy, those involved will be given a test.
“Of course, on paper these are just friendlies but, in my mind, I’m going to be playing for the national team and I’m looking to do try my hardest when I pull on that dark blue jersey,” said Paterson.
“These are two of the best teams in Europe, with massive players in each side – the likes of Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba for the French and Daniel De Rossi and even Mario Balotelli for Italy. It’s a great opportunity for me to go out there and do my thing and enjoy the experience.”
Callum Paterson was at Hampden Park to promote the Tesco Bank Football Challenge National Festival.
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