Callum is just thankful he can play anywhere
There’s been a lot of debate about Callum Paterson’s performance at right-back for Scotland.
The Cardiff City player has been operating as a striker in the English Premier League, but was moved back to defence by his country.
Returning to a position he once occupied for Hearts was out of necessity. Scotland boss Alex Mcleish felt there was nobody else fit and available to play there against Albania and Israel.
Paterson has now set his sights on claiming a place in the national team’s forward line.
However, he admits his main feeling is one of gratitude that he’s able to play football at any level. He missed nearly nine months with a serious knee injury in 2016.
The 24-year-old said: “At the time I got my injury, I thought that was it – not just for my country, but for football in general.
“I’m thankful to the people who had faith in me to take me down to Wales, and thankful to the Scotland manager here for showing faith in me. “I’m buzzing to be back. “The first game against Albania wasn’t too great for me. I didn’t play very well, but I’m my own worst critic.
“I rectified that a bit against Israel and we got the result that won our Nations League group.
“Playing up front has given me a broader horizon. I can see what’s going on from that point of view. In respect of playing right-back, I can see different passes, different things that are on.
“It took a while to get into the game, but I felt I got there in the end.
“Obviously I’ve been playing up front in the Premier League this season, which is a bit different – you don’t get many opportunities.
“I’d like to play the position for Scotland one day, but I thought Steven Fletcher played really well against Israel and the other boys were helping.
“I’ve always said I wanted to play for my country. I’ll play in goals, I’ll play anywhere. I’m happy to be on the park, happy to be back.” Cardiff boss Neil Warnock, in his normal outspoken manner, had said Paterson couldn’t play the full-back position. The player was expecting a bit of ribbing from his boss on his return from international duty.
He went on: “I’ll get a bit of stick from him, probably. But it’s good to have a manager that knows I like to play in attack and it’s good to have a manager that puts faith in me that I can play at the back.
“It’s nice to know I can play both positions and that I’m trusted to play both positions.”
The Nations League campaign was a traumatic one for Scotland.
Losing in Israel led to a torrent of criticism, but wins over Albania and Tuesday night’s thriller against the Israelis at home gave the Tartan Army something to cheer.
Paterson said: “At the start, everyone was a bit sceptical and the thought was the competition could be a bit of a pain.
“It’s actually worked out really well and the boys have loved playing every minute. It’s competitive games and that’s the way to do it.
“Everyone likes winning games and doing well. But at the end of the day, if it’s for nothing, it’s for nothing. “We won the games in this group and, at the moment, it’s a bit of an achievement.”