THE road to Merseyside has been a well travelled one over the years as Liverpool has become a home from home for a band of Great Scots.

Now Nathan Patterson has made the same journey as he takes the next step in his career by following the lead of some famous faces that have graced Goodison Park. 

From Andy Gray and Graeme Sharp to Duncan Ferguson and David Weir, from James McFadden to Steven Naismith, the list is as lengthy as it is illustrious.

The latest name added to it comes with the biggest pricetag but the £12million fee that Everton have paid for Patterson won't act as a weight around his neck. Indeed, he will thrive under expectation in the Premier League.

The deal that ended his love-affair with Rangers was a record-breaking one. Patterson is cognisant of the history in the blue half of Liverpool but excited by what the future holds.

"Obviously some huge Scottish talents have come down here and been really successful for Everton," Patterson said.

"Steven Naismith is one who comes to mind. I’ve worked under him with Scotland as well so I’m sure he’ll have a good few conversations with me.

"I’ve obviously met Duncan as well. He’s a good laugh!

"It was the easiest decision I’ve made. It was pretty straightforward for me. I knew as soon as I heard that I wanted to come down. I’m here now and I’m delighted.

"When I came down, me and my agent drove by [Goodison Park] to have a wee peek from the outside. It looked brilliant.

"Obviously the atmosphere at Goodison is phenomenal. Any game I watch, the fans are just crazy. I’m looking forward to playing in front of them."

It has been a matter of when, not if, Patterson would leave Rangers for some time now and Everton's persistence has finally paid off. At the third time of asking, Rafa Benitez has landed his man on a five-and-a-half year deal.

The Spaniard's return to Liverpool has not gone as he would have hoped or expected thus far but the second half of the campaign offers opportunity for Everton. The same can be said for Patterson.

Patterson said: "I’m just over the moon. I’m really looking forward to it and buzzing to get started.

"It was a pretty easy choice, to be honest. It’s a massive club with huge history.

"Obviously we’re not in the place we want to be right not but we can easily get there with the talent in the changing room and the coaching staff. I’ve full belief we can do that.

"Obviously when a club really wants you, it makes up your mind early on. I wanted to come here from the very start. I’m here now and I’m delighted.

"Hopefully I can come here, nail that position and we can win trophies and make the fans proud.

"You want to get good experience at a young age. I’m here in the Premier League now.

"I’m delighted to be here at the greatest league in the world. It’s only going to put me in good stead for the rest of my career."

Two approaches in the summer ultimately were not enough to tempt Rangers into doing business but a proposal - worth up to £16million - saw their valuation met at long last in recent days.

The future is undoubtedly bright for Patterson. A trip to face Hull City in the FA Cup this weekend could see him get the next stage of his career off and running.

"I’m always ready," Patterson said. "I make sure I’m always fit and in good shape for any time I get called upon. I’ll be doing that in training as well.

"Knowing the manager at Everton really wanted me made my decision to be honest.

"He just said to make sure I was ready. The first question he asked me was if I was ready. That’s a good sign. I’m really looking forward to working under him and can’t wait to get started.

"I’ve met most of the first team. It’s a good group of lads with a good team spirit going on. Everyone has made me feel welcome so I’m delighted."

At 20, Patterson has almost his whole career in front of him. Everton are buying into that potential, but they also have a talent who has already achieved for club and country.

As a player, he is a full-back fit for the modern game. As a person, he has the drive and desire to ensure he makes the most of his chance to impress on the Premier League stage.

Patterson said: "Playing at the Euros and top experiences against great international sides is only going to benefit me. I feel as if it’s done that and I’m ready to push on now.

"It’s really exciting to come to a team with huge talent in the team. I’m just going to work my socks off and hopefully we can do well in training and then in games.

"I’m attacking full-back, I love getting forward and creating for the forwards. I like getting assists and I like trying to get goals as well. It’s only going to benefit the team and I can’t wait to try and provide.

"The manager obviously likes that style, attacking full-backs. He’s huge on trying to create chances for the forwards and I’m going to try and do that for him."