[ad_1]
SCOTLAND starlet Nathan Patterson reckons the win against Moldova has the national side in good stead ahead of the crunch match against Austria on Tuesday.
Steve Clarke’s side won 1-0 at Hampden but created more chances than the scoreline would suggest.
2
2
Lyndon Dykes’ winner from close range puts the national team in third place in Group F with eight points from five games, two points behind Israel and seven behind runaway group leaders Denmark, who have the maximum 15 points.
The last ten minutes at Hampden proved to be rather nervy as the visitors piled pressure on Scotland’s box after weathering the storm.
But Patterson, earning his third cap in Dark Blue, said that three points alone was the priority before acknowledging there are aspects of the performance that can be improved upon.
The 19-year-old Rangers starlet also talked up the boost provided by the Hampden crowd which at over 40,000 strong was comfortably the biggest backing the national side have had at a qualifier in some time.
He said: “We obviously created loads of chances but we never had the clinical finish at the end, but we did well to keep a clean sheet, see the game out and got the win.
“We got the three points, which was the main focus, and now we can go over to Austria with a little bit of form and hopefully we can take the game to them.
“You need to start fast and take the game to the opposition and I think we did that.
“Sometimes we were a little slack in our press but in the second half we got it together and didn’t allow them any opportunities.
“The crowd is a boost. Obviously we are getting the crowds back in the stadiums for a bit more atmosphere and it’s enjoyable.
“They got behind us and it showed in the performance.”
BIG BONANZA Get £50 in FREE BETS with single £10 punt on any World Cup qualifier with Paddy Power
While it was a night to remember for Patterson as he made his competitive debut for the national team it was his Rangers academy pal, Billy Gilmour, who picked up man of the match.
Patterson was buzzing to share the pitch with the 20-year-old, who has earned rave reviews since his breaking into Clarke’s squad.
GOOD WORK Scotland star Gilmour admits he got ‘too excited’ as Dykes now targets win over Austria
Patterson talked up the importance of giving young players more opportunities at international level and spoke of how he and Gilmour both play the game with “no fear”.
He said: “It is obviously great to be picked but also great to be picked with someone you have worked with through the levels and it is good to see young players getting opportunities.
“We both play with confidence and no fear and it shows on the pitch.
“You have to be confident, that is the main thing. You can’t hide and you can’t be shy, you have to get on the ball and show what you are made of and I feel both me and Billy have done that since we have come in.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
[ad_2]
Source link
