CALLUM Paterson has told new Scotland manager Alex McLeish he is prepared to revert to right back despite being played as a No10 for Cardiff City this season.
McLeish, who was appointed manager for a second time last month, has admitted he won’t play Celtic left back Kieran Tierney out of position at right back like his predecessor Gordon Strachan.
That has opened up a vacancy in the national team, who take on Costa Rica in a friendly international at Hampden tomorrow night, in the specialised position.
Paterson, the former Hearts player who has won five caps, is confident he can slot in there even though he has been playing further up the field in the English Championship in recent weeks.
“I’m playing in a different role, a little higher up the park,” he said. “It’s attacking mid I’ve been playing, just off the striker. I run about and press as many people as I can and then get in the box as much as I can.
"I’ve played in lots of different positions in the past. It doesn’t do me any damage to play in different positions. You get to learn different things about the game as you see it from different angles. I’m enjoying it.
“If I keep scoring and doing well, it’s only going to be a good season for me. In my opinion there’s no point in pigeon holing yourself into one position on the pitch. If someone else is doing well, you might not get in the team. So I’m happy to get in anywhere at the moment.”
Jack Hendry, the Celtic centre half who was called into the Scotland squad on Sunday after Russell Martin and Tierney withdrew due to injuries, has switched right back in the past, including against Rangers earlier this month.
However, Paterson is the player in the 26 man squad with the greatest experience of the position and has represented his country there in the past.
Asked if he could play at right back for Scotland again, he said: “I can play there and everywhere else. I’m just happy to play. If that’s where people want to play me, I’ll try and do a job for them.
“I’ve not had a conversation with the manager yet about where he sees me playing. I’d love to play at No10, but I’m not the most technical No10 in the world. I’m more of a punt and run kind of guy. So it probably won’t suit me.
“There are also some great players in the squad who’ve been doing really well in their respective leagues for their respective clubs. So you’ve got to take it on the chin and play where you are played.
“I’d love to play at centre half. Everyone knows I’m not the best in one on one situations. But I love defending and I love getting up and heading the ball and running about. It could be an ideal position for me. But I’ll play anywhere that’s asked of me.
“Kieran did really well there. Obviously, it’s not his natural position. He moved across and did really well. But like I say, I’ll play anywhere. If he’s not playing in that position it leaves an opportunity for me.”
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