Portsmouth confirm interest in signing on-loan Drumkeen native Sean Patton

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has confirmed that the club is seeking to sign Republic of Ireland U-19 international Sean Patton, currently on loan at Finn Harps, following an impressive trial this summer.

Patton, who plays for Derry City, spent a week with Portsmouth earlier in the pre-season, during which he scored in three warm-up matches.

The 17-year-old has already broken into senior football and secured a three-year contract this summer, before being loaned back to his former club, Finn Harps, for regular playing time.

There are high hopes for Patton’s potential, with Mousinho being impressed by his performance during training.

“Sean was always set to go back, so we didn’t have permission to have him for any longer than we did,” Mousinho said. 

“That’s one that we will work on. It’s not a priority at the moment, but it’s one we’ll work as things move on. 

“I think that Sean did well enough for us to explore that (a move). 

“He’s one for the future, so it would be a development one - hence why it’s not quite a priority at the moment, but he’s definitely one we’re interested in. 

“We want to protect the future for Portsmouth, so those kind of players that we can get on decent enough deals and develop as we go through the years are definitely ones everyone wants to see - we’ll keep doing that.”