Scotland international Nathan Patterson was reportedly left "embarrassed" after a "jocular slap" on the head from manager Sean Dyche sparked a row at a training camp.

It's claimed the former Rangers starlet was slapped on the head "more forcefully than intended" by Everton boss Dyche - leading heated tempers between players and the manager.

The Daily Mail report that "an otherwise good-natured evening" was marred by Dyche's "slap" which was reportedly intended to be harmless but led to a row during a meal.

It's claimed Patterson - a product of the Rangers academy - was embarrassed to be at the centre of the incident with other players left angry over the incident.

James Tarkowski reportedly took Dyche aside after the incident to allow tensions to ease.

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The report then states Dyche apologised to Patterson over the "playful slap" row.

It's claimed Everton sources have shut down any suggestion of a bust-up, instead suggesting the incident was a "clumsy joke that backfired".

Everton were in the Algarve for a training camp and reportedly the rest of the trip went on without any further issue.

It's reported the incident was resolved by Friday afternoon with Patteron involved in the final training session on Friday before Everton flying back to England.