NATHAN PATTERSON has revealed the key role club legend Duncan Ferguson has played in helping him settle in at Everton.
Patterson joined the Toffees from Rangers on a five-and-a-half-year deal last week and could make his debut in this weekend’s league clash with Norwich City.
The Scotland full-back was an unused substitute for Saturday’s extra-time victory over Hull City in the FA Cup as he gets used to his new surroundings.
And the 20-year-old is full of praise for the way assistant-manager Ferguson, who made the same move from Rangers to Everton in his own playing career, has eased his transition to Goodison Park.
Reflecting on Everton’s Scottish connection through the years, he said: “Looking here now, obviously there is another Scot with Duncan Ferguson.
“He has been brilliant with me. He’s a massive character around the place, he’s loud and gets people going.
“He is another one who I can only learn from, having had such a good career and how highly he is respected here.”
In recent years, Steven Naismith, James McFadden, Gary Naysmith, Richard Gough, David Weir, Pat Nevin and Stuart McCall have all been fan favourites at Everton.
And Patterson has hailed the influence of another on his own career after working with Scot Gemmill with the Scotland under-21 team.
He added to evertonfc.com: “Scot Gemmill is another - I worked with him for four or five games with the under-21s and he was great for me.
“His focus on defensive work was brilliant and he made sure you’re always switched on at key times in matches.
“Every coach you work with has different styles and it’s up to you to take all of those experiences and apply them to your game. That’s what prepares you for senior football.”
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