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Scotland ace Callum Paterson relishing battle with England winger Raheem Sterling
CALLUM PATERSON admits he ran about like a headless chicken the last time he faced Raheem Sterling.
Hearts defender Callum Patterson can't wait to take on Raheem Sterling
But on Friday he’ll be desperate to rule the roost for Scotland against England.
With Alan Hutton having quit the international scene, Paterson is first-choice right-back for Gordon Strachan.
With only four caps to his name, the Hearts man knows he’s a rookie at this level.
Paterson’s experiences at club level in Europe have been limited to early-round knockouts in the Europa League.
But his first major test came in 2012 against Liverpool, with Sterling flying at him in both legs of the tie.
The Jambos came close to a famous win, only to lose 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
“Somebody told me about it but I didn’t really read it.
“I don’t care what anybody else says about me. As long as I play well and feel good myself.
“If anything, it will motivate me. People who know me know that talking about me doesn’t wind me up – it spurs me on.
“If that is what he is saying then so be it. I think I’ve improved defensively, although there is still a long way to go.”
Paterson was gutted Hutton quit as he felt he could have picked up some tips from the Aston Villa full-back.
He added: “I’m disappointed as he was a player I admired and I could learn from. But it is a chance to establish myself.”