The Scot loves nothing more than ruffling a few feathers

Causing a nuisance of himself is not necessarily a character trait of Callum Paterson’s, but he loves it as soon as he gets on a football pitch.

Not many games go by without the 32-year-old ruffling a few feathers amongst the opposition defence, often drawing a word from the referee. More often than not, they are met with a smile and a chuckle from the Scot.

That element of being a thorn in the side though is not something the MK Dons forward specifically targets doing during a game though.

“People might think that’s who I am as a person, but I do it to have some fun during a game!” he said. “I like to jump and cause carnage!

“I’m good in the air, I’m big, I’m a presence. I’m good at the other side of the game as well. I like to go out and have fun, and annoy people!”

Paterson’s move to Milton Keynes in the summer of 2025 came as a bit of a surprise after he left Sheffield Wednesday, dropping two divisions to join Paul Warne’s side.

The head coach said luring the Scot to MK1 was more with the intention of him thriving in League One, rather than in League Two last term, despite him ending the campaign as top-scorer.

Warne said: “I think he’s better in League One than in League Two. He’s physical and awkward in his game. In League Two, some defenders aren’t the best footballers but can handle the physical game. In League One, some of them can handle a bit of both, but some aren’t as physical but can play.

“When it came to convincing Pato to come here, and that took many a conversation, it was more about this year than last. He’s a massive contributor in the dressing room, and I’m very fortunate that if I want to take Sam (Nombe) or Collo (Aaron Collins) off, he’s a massive force.”

Former Scotland team-mate Robert Snodgrass, also spoke highly of Paterson’s work-rate and what he can bring to a side.

“Wherever Cal plays, he gives you everything,” he told BOYLE Sports. “He scored in a 6-1 victory, and he keeps chipping in with goals. Someone with that experience is a real handful when he plays up top.

“For MK Dons, after getting promotion last year, having that experience and confidence is huge. You see it with teams like Wrexham, when they get momentum and keep winning matches, it just keeps rolling.

“It's great to see Cal pushing forward and trying to help MK Dons move up the leagues. He's done really well for himself.”