Paterson edges closer to comeback
SCOTLAND internationalist Callum Paterson is expected to play his first match in 10 months tomorrow after recovering from a serious knee injury.
The Cardiff City right-back damaged cruciate ligaments in what proved to be his final game for Hearts in December last year against Kilmarnock.
Despite the lay-off, the Bluebirds still shelled out a £400,000 compensation fee to recruit the 22-year-old during the summer.
Now Paterson is set to feature in tomorrow’s Under-23s fixture against Hull City as he steps up his competitive comeback bid.
Cardiff manager Neil Warnock, who also has new goalkeeper Lee Camp recovering from injury, said: “Paterson and Camp are both training with us now.
“I can’t remember which one now, one’s going to have half a game in the Under-23s on Monday, I think that’s Paterson, and then I think Camp is planning to have half a game probably the week after.
“We’ll step Paterson up for probably two or three Under-23 games. I can’t envisage Paterson coming back until October but they can play a big part this season.”
FORMER Aberdeen forward Niall McGinn insists the language barrier has helped him not get too worried about in the Korean peninsula.
The Northern Ireland cap moved to South Korean side Gwangju earlier this summer after spending five years at the Dons.
But the 30-year-old’s switch has coincided with tensions rising in the region following North Korean missile tests that have brought worldwide condemnation.
McGinn insists he is just trying to focus solely on his football.
He said: “Obviously serious things are going on in the background, but I think it’s actually a good thing I don’t speak the language. The players or other people are maybe discussing it, but I’m none the wiser.
“I’ll just keep working on football and getting on with things and not thinking too much out of proportion to what is going on in the background. I’m just here to do something I love doing and that’s playing football.”