Hearts defender Callum Paterson makes Scotland pledge

By Andrew Dickson

Image: Callum Paterson could play for three other countries but says he's committed to Scotland

Callum Paterson says he is committed to Scotland as he looks to end the season with his full international debut.

The Hearts defender is in Gordon Strachan's squad for friendlies with Italy and France and, having been in the group previously but not played, he hopes that will change in the days ahead.

Paterson, 21, was born in London so is therefore eligible to play for England as well as Scotland, but also qualifies to play for two other countries.

He could choose to play for South Africa through his grandfather and Zimbabwe through his mother.

It was recently claimed the South Africans were interested in fast-tracking Paterson into their U23 team for the Olympics in Rio this summer.

Advertisement

But the right-back, who has played up to U21 level for Scotland, is focused only on Strachan's side and should play in at least one of the forthcoming games.

Image: Scotland manager Gordon Strachan is expected to give Paterson his Scotland debut against either Italy or France

Paterson, who also revealed he is in talks with Hearts about a new contract, said: "Most of my family are from South Africa or Zimbabwe.

Also See:

"Obviously it is nice to be linked with different things and read your name everywhere. People have tweeted me and stuff like that but nothing formal at all [from South Africa].

"Scotland is my No 1 and that's where I want to play. I was born in London but brought up here my whole life and have always considered myself Scottish.

"I am Scottish and that's who I want to play for. I am excited to meet up with the squad and get started training and see what I can do."

Image: Paterson - pictured scoring against Aberdeen - has made himself a regular at Hearts and is in talks about a new contract

Paterson has impressed for Hearts this season as he has helped them to a third-placed finish on their return to the Premiership.

He added: "I have another year at Hearts so I have that to focus on next year. I am looking forward to the Europa League and trying to push on in the league.

"I am currently in talks with Hearts so it is up to them what's happening and we will see what happens in the future.

"Hearts is a massive club, they are in the Europa League and it is a good place to be and we will see what happens."

Outbrain