Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says he is “really pleased” for his club-mate Nathan Paterson after the defender featured for Scotland in their World Cup win over Haiti.
Patterson has had a torrid time struggling for form and fitness at Everton over the past few years, only starting three Premier League games in each of the past two seasons.
However, the 24-year-old came on for the last 15 minutes as Scotland secured a vital three points in their World Cup opener.
“You’ve played with or against a lot of the lads,” Pickford told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast.
“It’s been so long for them but you see the emotion and how much it meant for them to get that result.
“I’m really pleased for Patto. Over the last few months at Everton, he’s grafted and worked hard, even though he didn’t really get his chance. But, he still put the hard work in and he’s now made his debut in the World Cup.
“Stuff like that does put a smile on your face.”
