Edinburgh-born Jonathan Slatter gets a kick out of Callum Paterson.
Standing over six feet tall, many of Callum Paterson’s opponents are obliged to look up to him. But it is Paterson’s ability on the ground which threatens them most.
A direct player, at his best when allowed to take on defenders, this East Londoner is making a big impression on Scottish Football. At the age of 19, he has already notched up 46 first team appearances for Edinburgh’s Hearts.
Hearts are in dire straits financially; and their situation has propelled many young players into first-team roles beyond their tender years (currently there are only five players in the side over-21). But Paterson had already earned his place on merit.
Former manager John McGlynn first called upon him at the start of last season, playing him as a right back. He was impressive on his debut against St Johnstone, and over the course of the next few games, he found a place in a Hearts team which had just enjoyed a famous Scottish Cup triumph.
‘Whirlwind’ is how Paterson himself recalls this phase of his career.
For the first leg of the Europa League qualifiers against Liverpool, he was moved to his preferred position – right wing. Here he won over the Hearts faithful with direct running which caused constant problems for the opposition.
Paterson again showed versatility when only six weeks after making his debut as a right back, he was thrust up front as a lone striker. This is where he stayed, notching four goals in 23 starts, before a foot injury ended his 2012-13 season in January.
In the first part of this season (August-early December), Paterson scored four in 14 games. Unfortunately, due to the lack of options available to new manager Gary Locke, he is still being utilised as the lone striker.
Paterson’s determination to do his best in whatever position he is deployed, has made him a fans’ favourite. His performances have earned him international recognition with the Scotland Under-21s. In November he scored with a remarkable overhead kick which kept alive the Under-21s European Championship hopes of his adopted nation.
Nineteen-year-old Paterson is already a credit to Hearts – and East London.