It's been tough on my mental health - Paterson

Callum Paterson made his first league start for Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday

Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Callum Paterson says a lack of game time has taken its toll on his mental health.

The 30-year-old made his first Championship start of the season and scored in the 2-0 win at QPR on Saturday.

"It's not been fun, it's tough on my mental health, tough on my family and friends and everyone around me to see me in a bad mood all the time, not getting a lot of game time, not playing and it's difficult not being able to do your job," he told BBC Radio Sheffield.

"I got my chance [on Saturday] and fortunately I took it."

Until the weekend Paterson had been limited to 11 substitute appearances in the league, also scoring in a win over Stoke in December.

"The fans have seen me for years, they know what I am and I'm good at it. I've done it for years at this level and above so I'm thankful they appreciate what I do and like my effort," he added.

The Scottish international is now hoping to help Wednesday push themselves into the play-off spots, but accepts it's not his decision whether he keeps his place in the starting line-up.

"It's not up to me, I've put myself in the window and hopefully I get some more game time."