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Nathan Patterson of Everton U21 reacts during the Vertu Trophy match against Bradford City<\/p>\nDavid Moyes has revealed that Patterson needs a hernia op whilst also suffering a tear in his foot ahead of World Cup qualifiersNathan Patterson of Everton U21 reacts during the Vertu Trophy match against Bradford City<\/p>\n
Nathan Patterson is set to miss the entirety of Scotland<\/a>‘s World Cup qualifying campaign as he gets set to go under the knife.<\/p>\n The Everton<\/a> man has been forced to watch Steve Clarke”s side give themselves a shot at qualifying for the 2026 finals in North America next summer.<\/p>\n A draw with Denmark and a win over Greece, plus two victories over Belarus<\/a> mean the Scots will at worst finish second in Group C, which guarantees a playoff spot at least.<\/p>\n Next month’s crunch trip to Athens could set up an epic final day showdown against the Danes at Hampden for a place at the World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n But Patterson won’t be involved after David Moyes confirmed that the former Rangers starlet is set to go under the knife.<\/p>\n The 24-year-old picked up a muscle tear in his foot while playong for the Toffees’ Under 21s and also need a hernia fixed, which will see him operated on and out for a couple of weeks at least.<\/p>\n “Patto has plantar fascia tear in his foot which he picked up in an under-21 game against Bradford,” said Moyes. \u201cIt is probably going to keep him out for a couple of weeks. He\u2019s also had a little issue with his hernia so we are going to get it tidied up while he\u2019s out with his planta fascia.\u201d<\/p>\n Aaron Hickey’s return from almost two years out was a welcome one for Clarke, although he wasn’t risked against Belarus after having to come off during the 3-1 win over Greece.<\/p>\n It means Anthony Raslton is likely to retain his place in Clarke’s squad for the double header, despite looking to have fallen behind youngster Colby Donovan in the pecking order at Celtic.<\/p>\n Alistair Johnston returned from injury against Strum Graz, but was forced off in the first half.<\/p>\n That will likely see Donovan start this Sunday’s top f the table encounter with Hearts at Tynecastle.<\/p>\n Follow Record Sport<\/strong> on Twitter<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond.<\/p>\n You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers<\/a> and Celtic<\/a> pages, and sign up to our newsletters<\/a> to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We’re also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here<\/a> and our Celtic community here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tune in to Hotline Live<\/a> every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport’s newest podcast, Game On<\/a>, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.<\/strong><\/p>\n