Lampard believes the experience of captain Seamus Coleman is currently needed - although he has been impresed by Patterson since taking over as manager.
“I’ve been impressed with Nathan,” said Lampard.
“It’s not been easy to be fair to the players. They need to train well but when you can’t see them in matches - I’ve seen bits of Nathan previously - and then revert to the situation we are in, my duty is to make sure we develop young players and find the right time for them to play.
“So far in two games, that hasn’t been right time but I’m very pleased to work with him.
“People think I love sticking young players in my teams. I do when they deserve it.
“I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve it but, at the minute, he’s in a position where the captain of the club Seamus has been so impressive since I’ve been here and for a long time at the club.
“He needs to work, keep developing, the club have signed him for the future as well as now.
“I will work with Nathan very closely and my staff - who work with the young players in particular - and when he gets his opportunity, I want to see him take it.”