Dreams usually start when you're fast asleep.
But Nathan Patterson's came not long after he'd woken up - to a call from Steven Gerrard telling him he was in the Scotland squad.
The early morning call from the former England captain was the perfect way to start Wednesday morning as the Rangers full-back was included in the 26-man Euro 2020 squad.
It completes a dream season for the teenager who played his part in history at club level by helping win the Ibrox club’s first Scottish Premiership title in a decade.
Patterson was banned for the run-in due to a Covid breach but his campaign will now be extended into the summer thanks to his step up to the full squad from Under-21 level.
The 19-year-old wasn’t even born when Scotland last feature at a major tournament - the World Cup in France 23 years ago.
And he said: “The gaffer phoned me on the day and said I’d been selected for the squad and it would be released in the media later on that day.
“I’d barely woken up so I didn’t really know how to react. I let it sink in and I couldn’t believe it. I told my family, friends and agent and everyone was buzzing for me.
“Lots of members of staff have messaged me - the gaffer, Ross (Wilson), even the Doc - everyone is buzzing for me and it’s great to see that support from the club."
Patterson represented Scotland at youth level all the way from Under-17 level to Under-21 level since 2017 and is uncapped at senior level.
Now after just 16 appearances with the Ibrox side under Steven Gerrard this season, the teenage defender has spoken of the 'dream come true' after learning of his selection.
Speaking to Rangers TV, he added: "I’m just delighted. It’s a dream come true to play for Scotland and be picked for the ‘A’ squad.
"Scotland haven’t been at a major tournament in a long time and we’re going to the Euros and being part of that squad is a great achievement and I know how much it means to the country and hopefully we can bring success back.
“I’m over the moon to have this chance and I’m willing to work as hard as I can to get an opportunity.
‘I’ve done that this season with the first team and throughout my career even with the Academy - working hard with the coaches to give myself the chance to get into the Scotland squad.
“I can draw on experiences with the Academy playing against top opposition like Ajax, flying abroad and seeing different cultures and coming up against different styles and that has stood me in good stead.
“I’m looking forward to meeting up with the boys and getting in with the team, training well and hopefully I get an opportunity to show what I can do.
“It’s been a superb season for me and this is making it even better and hopefully I can go away and do really well with Scotland and get some game time."
Patterson's inclusion in the squad was met with joy from top Scots golfer Robert McIntyre who described the Gers kid as “the man” when asked about his thoughts on the squad.
And Patterson has revealed that the respect is mutual. He said: “I love playing golf and love watching it as well and I like watching Bob MacIntrye.
“He’s obviously Scottish and you always root for the Scottish and it was great he wanted me in the squad."
