Scotland coach Steve Clarke admits he's spoken with Everton boss Frank Lampard about Nathan Patterson's situation.

Since arriving in January from Rangers, Patterson has only featured for the Toffees once, a 2-0 win over non-league side Boreham Wood in the FA Cup in January. But he only lasted 45 minutes and has not played for the first-team since.

"He's had almost nothing in terms of game time," Clarke told the Glasgow Times. "It would have been difficult to think about playing Nathan in a really competitive match like a play-off semi-final.

“I feel this is an opportunity to get some minutes into his legs which will be good for us and good for Nathan. Hopefully, he performs so well that he makes Frank pick him for Everton.

"I know Frank well and I've had a little conversation with him about Nathan but obviously Frank is in a situation where he is scrapping for points to stay in the Premier League. It's difficult when your captain is also a right back in Seamus Coleman."