Nathan Patterson of Everton and Scotland reacts after an international friendly match between Scotland and Ivory Coast at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

Nathan Patterson has not given up on playing more minutes for Everton despite struggling for opportunities in recent months.

The 24-year-old has missed swathes of the season with injury - the most recent problem being a hernia issue across October and November. He overcame that and helped the first team during the selection crisis of the festive season.

He produced several promising displays in that run, starting in the hard-fought wins at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa either side of the new year, as well as in the home draw with Leeds United. Yet they were not enough for him to keep his place in David Moyes’ team.

FOLLOW OUR EVERTON FC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest EFC news and analysis from via the Liverpool Echo’s dedicated FB page

Patterson’s place in Scotland’s World Cup squad appears assured but he is eager for more minutes ahead of the summer. After playing in both of Scotland’s friendlies over the past fortnight, he told the Daily...