The 31-year-old, who can play left-back or left midfield, missed October and November with a hamstring problem, but has now returned to full fitness and is eying his comeback.
Paterson told The Plymouth Herald: "I have trained for the last two weeks at normal match tempo and, fitness-wise, I'm feeling fine. Every day after training I have been doing extra work with our fitness coach, Scott Russell.
"But it's a bit like doing another pre-season, when you need to play games to build up your match fitness."
"I think I was going to be included in the squad against MK Dons, at least, so I was quite looking forward to the game, but it got called off.
"I would love to be involved this Saturday. I played for Dundee United in derby matches and they are special occasions."
Source: PA
Source: PA