FOCUS ON PATERSON
Who is the Bluebirds’ latest recruit? IAN MITCHELMORE took a closer look...
Can he play in any other position?
Absolutely. Paterson is as versatile as they come.
He is a right-back by trade but has also played further up the field, on the right wing and even as a striker.
That explains his sensational goal record? No, don’t be fooled, a big majority of Paterson’s goals have come with him playing as a traditional right-back, albeit one in the mould of modern players like Kyle Walker or Dani Alves.
Where does he fit in Cardiff’s system?
This is an interesting one, given Cardiff are quite well stocked with right-backs.
Lee Peltier, Matt Connolly and Jazz Richards are all able to play that position, but the addition of Paterson could be a signal of Warnock’s intention to play with three at the back and wing-backs next season.
His signature throws down the gauntlet to Joe Bennett and Jazz Richards to vie for the position on the other side, with Declan John’s departure seemingly imminent.
What did he achieve during his time with Hearts?
Paterson made 162 appearances, scoring a hugely impressive 39 goals during his five-year spell in the Scottish side’s first team.
He was part of the squad that won the Scottish Championship title in 2015 and was named as the club’s Young Player of the Year last season, despite missing the latter half of the campaign through injury.
And even though he played just 21 times for Jam Tarts last season, the full-back still managed a hugely impressive nine goals.
Isn’t he injured?
The full-back suffered a knee injury during his side’s 4-0 win over Kilmarnock in December and it was feared he would face up to 10 months on the sidelines.
He has not played since that game on December 27, but he stepped up his recovery again at the end of May by running for the first time since suffering the injury.
Echo verdict
At just 22 years of age, Paterson has an incredible wealth of experience to draw upon, having won five senior caps for the Scotland national team as well as playing for Hearts’ first team for five seasons.
His goal threat will be a huge boost for the Bluebirds who –Kenneth Zohore aside – struggled for big numbers in terms of hitting the back of the net last season.
Warnock has repeatedly stressed his desire to guide Cardiff into the promised land of the Premier League next season, and a few more additions of Paterson’s calibre will have the fans licking their lips for the 2017-18 campaign.