Callum Paterson hopes committing to playing as a forward can help him to lead the line for Scotland.
Paterson has played in a variety of positions throughout his career, showing versatility when he switched from playing up front for Hearts to being deployed at right-back.
A move to Cardiff City in 2017 saw Paterson switched to an advanced central midfield role by then-Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock. However, a £500,000 move to English Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday was completed on the basis he will play up front for the Owls.
Paterson, who could feature in Scotland’s European championship qualifying semi-final against Israel at Hampden tomorrow, aims to stake his claim.
Paterson said: “I think up front is where I am most effective.
“I can play in a lot of positions, but I’m at a stage where I need to look to one position and make it my own.
“Sheffield Wednesday have signed me to play up front, even though I have the number five shirt.
“The owner is a bit funny about the numbers, so I had to end up taking what I was given.
“There are some great players in the squad and some great players who haven’t even made the squad.
“But I have to believe in myself that I’m capable of doing a job up there and score a few goals.
“It would also be an amazing time to score my first Scotland goal.
“I’ve had a few caps now and a few chances, so it would be nice to get on the park and grab one.”
Paterson was required to finish his Owls debut as a makeshift central defender against QPR on Saturday, which caused him to come up against fellow Scots forward Lyndon Dykes.
Paterson feels he and Dykes have attributes which could complement one another, adding: “Funnily enough, I actually finished the game playing centre-half due to injuries.
“Lyndon is a very good player and I had to give him a couple of elbows.
“He did exceptionally well for them at the weekend and was arguably their best player.
“I liked the big man and I am looking forward to working with him in training this week.
“I think we could play together. Anyone who knows me is aware how hard I work and I do think it could be beneficial for us to play together.”
A victory for Steve Clarke’s men would set up a play-off final against Norway or Serbia, as Scotland aim to reach their first major tournament since 1998.
Paterson would count that feat as the greatest achievement of his career, with the 25-year-old adding: “I am a patriotic person and everything I have achieved in football is surpassed by representing my country.
“For me, playing for Scotland is the pinnacle. It is the highest honour you can achieve.
“If I could help the country get to a major finals it would be incredible.
“I think getting there is the biggest thing. I don’t think it would mean more in the current climate as the fans have always been desperate.”
