“I’m not Ronaldo, but…” - Sheffield Wednesday’s newest signing on Scotland, patriotism and Owls gratitude
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The 25-year-old joined the Owls for a reported fee of around £500,000 recently, going on to make his debut in the 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers just a few days later.
Now, having been called up by Steve Clarke for crucial games against Israel and Slovakia, the former Hearts of Midlothian man says he’s ‘delighted’ to be back amongst things for his nation.
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Hide AdAs quoted by The Scotsman, Wednesday’s new number five said, “I’m delighted to be back… It has been a while and I was out for a long time before the last squad. It is great to be back in the fold as this is a massive game for the country as a whole.
“It was difficult not to be involved, although some of that time I was injured. I’m the first to admit I’m not Ronaldo, but I feel I do bring certain things to the team… I think up front is where I am most effective. I can play in a lot of positions but I’m at a stage where I need to look to one position and make it my own.
“Sheffield Wednesday have signed me to play up front even though I have the number five shirt. I have to believe in myself that I’m capable of doing a job up there and score a few goals.
“It would also be an amazing time to score my first Scotland goal. I’ve had a few caps now and a few chances so it would be nice to get on the park and grab one.”
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Hide AdThe Scots face the Israelis at Hampden Park tomorrow evening for the chance to take a step closer to the Europa Championships, with the winner facing either Norway or Serbia for a spot in next year’s tournament.
Though Paterson’s teammate, Liam Palmer, is out due to a back spasm that he suffered in the 1-1 draw with QPR, Clarke’s other Owl is eager to show his worth.
He said, “I am a patriotic person and everything I have achieved in football is surpassed by representing my country… For me, playing for Scotland is the pinnacle. It is the highest honour you can achieve. If I could help the country get to a major finals it would be incredible.
“I think getting there is the biggest thing, I don’t think it would mean more in the current climate as the fans have always been desperate.”
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Hide AdMeanwhile, he also touched on his Cardiff exit, adding, “In a sense I was surprised but the manager thought it was time for me to move on.. Sheffield Wednesday are a massive club and I’m thankful to them. It just wasn’t meant to be for me at Cardiff as my time had run out. I’ve moved on to other things.”
After the Israel game, Scotland face Slovakia in the UEFA Nations League.