Scotland U21 coach Scott Gemmill says Everton are the ideal club for Nathan Patterson.

Patterson moved to Everton from Rangers in January.

Former Everton midfielder Gemmill told the club's website: “Nathan plays with energy and commitment and physicality.

“Add his technical level to those attributes and his performances stand out.

“He's always had tremendous athleticism and is quick. And he can repeatedly do it [get up and down the field] over the course of a game.

Some players fatigue. Nathan can run all day.

“He is a modern defender who can really add to the team's attack because he is very confident on the ball.

“Nathan can dribble and beat his man and cross and shoot – and do all those things at high speed.

“He confirmed his offensive talent, how effective and influential he can be in attacking areas, in the games he played for Rangers and Scotland.

“And he is a quick learner, so with the manager and coaching staff and senior players Everton have, he is in a tremendous position to push on."

Using the trajectory of Patterson's embryonic career as a gauge, Gemmill is convinced the player will pass the latest examination of his credentials.

“He's probably not been tested defensively at Rangers to the extent he will be in the Premier League with Everton," added Gemmill.

“But he has cleared every hurdle put in front of him, so far: Playing for Rangers, a big club similar to Everton, with huge fan expectation and atmosphere in the stadium and significant history.

“He's done it for Scotland.

“Not all young players get over those hurdles.

“But up to this point, Nathan has managed to do that and put himself in this position.

“So, of course I would back him to go and confirm himself defensively and show he can succeed in the Premier League, offensively and defensively.

“Evertonians will take to him, I have absolutely no hesitation in that regard.

“He plays with real determination and fearlessness and is still growing and getting stronger."