CALLUM PATTERSON got a close-up view of Seamus Coleman in full flight in Sunday’s pre-season fixture against Everton at Tynecastle.
A hat-trick, which included two penalties, from Everton’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku gave the side managed by Roberto Martinez a 3-1 victory in Edinburgh as Patterson, a Scotland under-21 international and right-back, admitted to being a little “star-struck” as Killybegs native Coleman (pictured above) played a pivotal part.
https://wwwyoutube.com/watch?v=eofrxdYtKmw
Video courtesy of Heart of Midlothian FC
“You thrive playing against players like that,” Patterson, who opened the scoring for Hearts, said afterwards. “It spurs you on and shows you what you have to do.
“Seamus Coleman was playing right-back for them and I was watching the way he plays. It was unbelievable and hopefully I can emulate him in the future.
“You can get a wee bit star-struck at times but you’ve obviously got to focus on the game and play the way you play. It was tough out there. You can see the difference, they’re seasoned internationals who have played hundreds of games for their clubs.”
Hearts are back in the Scottish Premiership and face Arbroath in the League Cup on Thursday before taking on St Johnston in the league on Saturday.
“There was a massive difference but it was also a good indicator for where we stand and hopefully we can go and push on from it now,” Patterson added.
“They’re so much bigger and stronger but it can only help us improve as a team and boost our confidence.”
Coleman played the first half at Den’s Park on Tuesday night as Everton overcame Dundee 2-0 with Conor McAleny and Ross Barkley on target.
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