You might be forgiven if you completely forgot that Everton had signed Scotland international Nathan Patterson from Rangers in January.

That's because he has been overlooked in each and every game so far that he has been available for his new side, but that could change tomorrow night as the Toffees take on National League side Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fifth round - and he will likely make his debut.

It's a chance for new boss Frank Lampard to give some of his younger players a chance to shine - something he did regularly at Chelsea and Derby, which means the Scottish right-back needs t0 take his chance because if he does, he could find himself as a first-team regular in no-time.

Before his move to Merseyside, Patterson was praised for his displays at national level, and Southampton striker Che Adams spoke highly of him back in November, saying that the youngster will be an important player for their country in the future.

“Nathan’s [Patterson] an amazing player and a great guy off the pitch so I’m delighted for him,” he said.

“He’s a good young prospect coming through for the nation and hopefully he can continue and keep adding goals as well.

“These guys give us hope for the future. To keep getting club minutes is important, to keep building and growing as a player and learn their craft."

Fast forward to the present day, and every word of Adams' claim that Patterson needs game time is still as true - if not more so.

But why as of yet he hasn't been given a chance in the first team even off the bench is mind-blowing, considering his £16m transfer fee, especially after scoring one goal and setting up two in minimal appearances for club and country this campaign - an impressive return for a young defender.

With Seamus Coleman turning 34 this year, Everton need to start thinking about the future, and the 20-year-old prospect could well slot in and slowly transition into first-choice right-back - particularly with Lampard deploying current second-choice right-back Jonjoe Kenny as a left-back.

Tomorrow could be a key indication of whether or not Patterson could be the heir to the Irish club captain.

In other news: Everton missed their chance on £33m star dubbed “one of the best in the world”...