Scotland's latest Serie A import on fresh start and tips from Billy Gilmour as Switzerland defeat addressed

Instead, within 10 minutes, the questions had changed. A red card for centre-back Jack Hendry for a blatant last-man challenge on Dan Ndoye left Scotland facing a long night with 10 men and reduced what should have been a significant examination of their progress to an exercise in resistance.

The Swiss eventually ran out convincing 3-0 winners at Hampden due to their numerical advantage, leaving Patterson to contemplate an opportunity lost after Scotland were forced to abandon much of what they had intended to demonstrate. There was, however, one thing he believes they demonstrated. They did not surrender.

“It was a long night for us,” conceded the full-back. “We obviously had a game plan, but that kind of went out the window after just 10 minutes. It was just kind of backs-to-the-wall, show some spirit and work as a team to try and stay in the game for as long as we could. In the end, you have to credit Switzerland. They are a top side with a lot of quality.”

That Scotland managed to remain competitive for periods was one of the few consolations on a painful night. The most frustrating aspect for new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli on his Hampden bow was that his side never got the chance to discover what might have happened had they kept all eleven players on the pitch. But it has not diminished Patterson’s sense that something is beginning to take shape.

“We were looking forward to going up against a top side and really showing what we could do,” he admitted. “It’s just frustrating because the red card so early obviously just changed everything. But we showed spirit and I thought the fans really stayed behind us for the full game, which is a positive sign.”

Upbeat dressing room

That matters to Patterson because Scotland are still in the early stages of a period of change under the Belgian. A new manager brings fresh ideas; new players bring different qualities and competition for places. It is a process that cannot be accelerated simply because expectations remain high. And Patterson insists the manner of the defeat has not altered the mood within the dressing room.

“I think there’s lots of new faces. There’s lots of positivity around the place and in the stands as well,” he added. “The fans have seen a different style of football. It was obviously tough to show that fully after the red card. Switzerland are a top side, we knew that. You just need to look at what they did in the World Cup in the summer.

“That’s the standard we want to try and push on and reach. We were looking forward to testing ourselves against them, but we never got a chance to gauge ourselves. But going forward, I think it's exciting times. It’s not going to happen overnight. There’s loads of new ideas and new faces as well. It’s going to take time, so everyone needs to just be patient.”

Serie A move provides Patterson with fresh challenge

Patience is a quality Patterson has had to embrace for much of his own career. His summer exit from Premier League outfit Everton and move to Torino in Italy represents a significant change, but one he feels was necessary for his development and, ultimately, his international ambitions.

Playing regularly was central to the decision after a difficult spell on Merseyside. He arrived in Italy with a straightforward objective: rediscover his enjoyment of the game and give himself the best possible chance of continuing his career with the national team.

A new club, a new league and a new footballing culture have provided the 23-year-old with the fresh challenge he was seeking. It is still early in his Italian adventure, but Patterson already speaks with the enthusiasm of a player who feels he has turned an important corner.

“Yeah, I was looking forward to just getting away,” he remarked. “It’s a new challenge for me. I think it’ll do me good in terms of my development as a player. I obviously want to play for Scotland as well. That was one of the main reasons I wanted to leave Everton as well, to play more football and enjoy it again.”

The move to Serie A has required adjustment, not least away from the pitch. Patterson faces the additional challenge of learning a new language, but there is some assistance close at hand. Fellow Scotland international Billy Gilmour has been trying to help bring on his Italian, while Che Adams has provided another familiar connection as he settles into his new surroundings.

“It is a lot different to what I am used to,” he declared. “But it’s exciting to have a fresh start and to be learning a new language as well. ‘Billy has been trying to give me tips and we do speak in Italian quite a lot, but I’m obviously still learning. Che is also a massive player for us. He’s got great quality. I think he would really suit this system well. He has really helped me since I moved as well. It’s been great to have a familiar face to help me settle in.”

The change of scenery has brought a different set of demands and given Patterson a new perspective on his club football, too. Serie A offers a different tactical environment, although he believes the underlying quality remains broadly comparable with what he experienced in England.

“I think the level in Serie A has stepped up this year as well,” he said. “You can see some of the top players going out there as well. The league is great and obviously there’s a lot of faces in the squad that are over there. It is exciting times. The overall standard and quality is the same as it was in England. It’s just different with the heat and stuff like that.”