Ipswich Town’s Monty Patterson scores for New Zealand as they play USA

Ipswich Town’s young striker Monty Patterson scored his first international goal as New Zealand drew 1-1 with the USA in Washington DC.

The 19-year-old, who played the full 90 minutes as he won his seventh full cap, netted a 72nd minute equaliser.

“It was just an unreal feeling scoring my first goal for the All Whites, just really happy,” he said.

“I think we worked really hard and we had few chances in the first half. Obviously they scored but we always knew there were going to be chances there for us as long as we took one, which we did, which was good.”

Patterson joined Ipswich’s academy as a scholar in the summer of 2014 and signed a one-year professional deal in the summer. He partnered ex-Blues loanee and in-form Leeds striker Chris Wood up front last night.

“I loved it because Woodsy’s a great player and I just feel honoured every time I represent my country,” said Patterson, who was born in Auckland and missed most of last season with an ankle injury.

Speaking last week, Blues boss Mick McCarthy said he is pleased with Patterson’s current progress but that he’s not yet in his thoughts for the senior side.

Meanwhile, Christophe Berra was an unused sub as Scotland were beaten 3-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Slovakia last night.