International experience beyond years and eye for goal: The overseas Portsmouth triallist aiming to seal Fratton future
He’s the Irish teen marksman out to prove he can have a bright future in the English game. That ambition accelerated this week as Sean Patton joined up with Pompey’s squad and was given a chance on trial in Tuesday’s opening pre-season win at Gosport. Here’s the background on the Derry City striker.
Striking a chord with Harps
The Donegal lad came through the ranks at Finn Harps, making progress through the various age groups until he came to the attention of Derry City - Ronan Curtis’ former club - in 2022. They took him to Brandywell, where Patton went into the club’s under-17 set-up.
Merry with Derry
Patton’s progress has been impressive after his move to the only Northern Irish team operating in the League of Ireland. His senior debut arrived at the age of 16 against UCD and was then a regular on the Candystripes’ bench. This term five senior outings have been collected, with his side currently second in the League of Ireland Premier Division.
International impact
As well as making a mark for club sides, Patton has stepped up to international level impressively. Playing for Ireland’s under-19 age group in March, the Drumkeen teen grabbed the third and final goal in his side’s 3-1 success over Slovakia.
Summer lovin’
Things have rapidly accelerated in Patton’s career this summer, with Derry taking the decision to hand the clinical frontman a new three-year deal and then action a loan return to his former club. Finn Harps are currently operating in the second tier of League of Ireland, with Patton quick to make an impact as he grabbed the winner against Kerry - and was named in the first division team of the week. Another eye-catching finish followed in a friendly against Irish Cup holders Cliftonville - before his Pompey chance arose.
Peeved at Privett
After joining Pompey for pre-season training, Patton played the first 45 minutes at Privett Park against Gosport on Tuesday night. The striker failed to make more of a couple of presentable openings which came his way, but will likely get more of chance to stake a claim in the warm-ups against Hawks and Bognor - as well as in training.
Mousinho saw enough in Patton’s display to see potential, however.
He said: ‘We had Sean Patton up front, who looked nice and sharp. He had a couple of chances I think he would like to have done better with. The same with Jamal (Baptiste), we’ll see where we are at the back end of the week and then go from there.
‘Sean is 17 and Jamal has come out of academy football, they are the sort of players we are thinking of bringing on trial. We want to have a look at players who can possibly impact now, but in the future as well.’
Seize the moment
It now appears a case of whether Patton can grab his Pompey opportunity in a similar manner to the way teen midfielder Reuben Swann is aiming to after joining from AFC Sudbury.
Finn Harps boss Darren Murphy feels Patton has the potential to make it in England.
He told Donegal Live: ‘He has a great opportunity and we just have to see where it goes. If he goes and does really well, no-one will be more delighted for him than me. This week should energise him and whet his appetite. It's getting a taste for it. I wouldn't have any fear about Sean being able to adapt or settle anywhere. He is very astute and he is very aware of the talent that he has. He also listens and is coachable, which is so important.’