HARRY HOPES HE’S MAPLE TO TACKLE STARS
HARRY PATON admits the chance of a dream date with Virgil van Dijk, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi this summer accelerated his return from injury.
The Motherwell midfielder feared his season was over after rupturing ankle ligaments in a training ground collision in February.
But the Canada international came off the bench in last week’s win over Livingston.
Now he hopes to prove himself over the final three games of the season and sneak into Mauro Biello’s Maple Leafs squad ahead of games against the Netherlands and France in friendly matches ahead of a Copa America campaign that kicks off against Argentina on June 21.
Paton said: “Just to get back for the last few games and get my fitness up is massive.
“I want to help us secure seventh place and also Canada has games coming up and I want to be fit and available for selection. That’s been on my mind.
“In Copa America we open against Argentina so it’s a huge added incentive for me to work even harder and try to be in the squad.
“The Canada backroom staff have been in touch to check on my rehab and they were pleased to hear I was back available for selection on the weekend.
“I want to keep myself ready and hopefully perform well over the final league games, maybe put my foot in the door and get a chance.
“In terms of how well Canada have progressed, it shows when we get games against Netherlands and France, among the top teams in the world.
“I feel like I’ve kicked on this season, although it was disappointing to get the injury. When I first got injured we weren’t sure how long it was going to be.
“It could’ve been to the end of the season but credit to the medical staff for getting me back. Now I’m working hard to be involved against Ross County.”
Paton is preparing to face his old side today knowing a point would secure Motherwell’s safety.
The 25-year-old knows there’s no room for sentiment but he’s also backing the Staggies to climb away from the relegation play-off spot.
He said: “Yes, especially with Don Cowie taking over.
“He was a huge influence for me up there and I’m really pleased to see him do well. He’s one of the most professional guys I’ve seen.
“The players are going to be playing for him and that’s a huge thing.
“We want to get the three points but I hope the best for them and him.
“It’s going to be a tough game for us. But we also have the previous game up there on our minds.
“The boys are looking to get back up there and perform well – a little bit of revenge from the last game.”