David Moyes, the manager of Everton, has set a clear expectation for former Rangers star Nathan Patterson as he seeks to secure his spot in the team. This comes after Patterson’s progress at Everton has been hindered by fitness challenges since his move in 2022. With limited options at right-back, Moyes emphasized the importance of being ready to seize opportunities.
In a recent statement, Moyes said, “The main thing is for him to get himself in the best condition, fit, train well. We’ve not got loads of cover at right back. Opportunities come around sometimes when you least expect it, and you have to be ready for it.” This message comes ahead of Everton’s defeat in the Carabao Cup to Wolverhampton, where Patterson remained an unused substitute.
Meanwhile, in European competition, both Rangers and Celtic faced significant challenges this week in the Europa League. Celtic kicked off their league phase campaign against Red Star Belgrade, managing a 1-1 draw. The match saw Kelechi Iheanacho coming off the bench to score a vital goal, which was later equalized by Mark Arnautovic. Celtic will next face Hibernian in domestic league action before continuing their European journey against Braga.
Celtic’s European Performance Shines
The performance of Celtic in Belgrade garnered significant attention. Iheanacho’s goal not only showcased his skill but also highlighted a pivotal moment in the match. Commentator James McFadden, who covered the game for Sportsound, praised Iheanacho’s first touch and composed finish, stating, “First of all, what a first touch it is, he kills it dead and then reverses it into the far corner.”
Former Celtic player Johan Mjallby, now a pundit for TNT Sports, noted that Celtic improved in the second half, attributing the change to their central striker, Iheanacho. “Celtic improved considerably in the second half, maybe only for 15 minutes. A central striker made the difference, and they started to create chances,” Mjallby remarked.
As for Rangers, they are gearing up for a challenging eight-game stretch, beginning with a match against Genk. The team is determined to move past the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League and focus on achieving a successful run in Europe.
Both clubs face critical weeks ahead, with domestic and European fixtures on their calendars. For Patterson, the call to elevate his performance is clear, as the Everton squad navigates a demanding schedule with limited resources.
