McKay backs Paterson to return and reach top level

BRAD McKay has tipped Callum Paterson to beat his injury nightmare and live the dream in the English Premier League.

The Hearts and Scotland full-back is out for the rest of the season after damaging knee ligaments against Kilmarnock in December.

It was a cruel blow for the 22-yearold, who had been set to clinch a big-money move to England last month with West Ham United keen admirers.

McKay was upset for his former Gorgie team-mate but insists it’s only a matter of time before he hits the big time.

“I spoke to him a couple of times just after he got injured and he was distraught as you could imagine,” said the Inverness defender.

“Anyone would have been with that injury but his circumstances, the form he was in and the interest being shown in him meant it was a double blow.

“He was 100-per-cent going in the summer. That’s not just because of what he had been saying. It would have been an absolute travesty given the way he had been playing if he didn’t get a move to somewhere bigger and better. The injury was just horrific timing for the guy.

“Before he got injured I gave him some honest, friend’s advice and told him that although he was a huge part of the club, it was time to get out of his comfort zone and try something new at a higher standard, and he agreed.” Having come through the Hearts youth ranks together, the pair have a special bond and McKay was quick to support his mate.

“As soon as I heard about the injury I knew what the consequences were going to be for him. He had a dream move lined up but it all fell to pieces,” he said. “As an old pal I wanted to spend some time with him to make sure he was OK and he was appreciative of that.

“Me and Kev (McHattie) had a wee sleepover at his house to make sure his head was all right. We played Fifa, got a takeaway, relaxed and watched some football. He was surprisingly upbeat. He knows how good a player he can be on his day and he also knows it’s a case of doing the rehab correctly.”