Gers came away from Poland with a 2-0 win over Lech Poznan which ensures they qualify from Group D as group winners, meaning they’ll be seeded for Monday’s round of 32 draw.
19 year-old Patterson had a superb hour before being replaced by the captain – and the Academy graduate discussed the impact of Tavernier in the build-up to the match at this morning’s press conference.
He said: "Being side by side with him in training, he is talking to me throughout. When I'm finding it tough, I can go and ask his advice.
"He was good with me before the game yesterday making sure I was ready for it, and that gave me a good confidence boost.
"I was buzzing for the game. You obviously have the nerves, but any chance I get to play with the first-team, I am always delighted to do that and chomping at the bit to go and play.
"It is a good challenge to put myself up against Tav - he had done really well this season. I am pushing him to do better and he is pushing me to do better.
"We work well in training every day and we go over the game plan and what we need to do to win the game.
"When you have top players beside you like Connor Goldson and Scotty Arfield to talk you through the game, it is a lot easier than trying to do it yourself.
"You also have the gaffer on the side helping you through and that is great."
To have progressed from the Academy to a full-fledged member of manager Steven Gerrard’s main squad is a great achievement for Patterson, who insists he is ready to step in again whenever called upon.
He continued: "It shows there is a pathway there for everyone if you are willing to work for it. The gaffer has had good chats with me and has said I am now a first-team player, and I just need to keep my head down and take any opportunity which comes my way.
"I am willing to do that. I've had that first start [in Europe] now, and it was all about doing well and getting a good performance in.
"Hopefully, I can get a few more games. When that comes, I just need to be ready."
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