Derry City striker Sean Patton signs new deal and joins Finn Harps on loan
17-year-old goes into Harps squad for tomorrow's game against Kerry
Derry City striker Sean Patton has signed a new contract at the Brandywell, and is going on loan to Finn Harps until the end of the current season.
Patton, who has made five first-team appearances this season, made his debut last summer in a game against UCD at the Brandywell. He has featured as a substitute in games against Bohemians, Dundalk, Galway United (twice) and Shamrock Rovers this season, with his last appearance coming at Tallaght on May 20.
Patton was mainly used as a back up to strikers Pat Hoban and Danny Mullen, but with Colm Whelan returning from a long-term injury, he was likely to find found his chances limited for the remainder of the season.
The club’s new Technical Director, Mark McChrystal said that the well-regarded 17-year-old would benefit from getting regular game time with the Ballybofey club.
“Sean has been in and around the first team squad here this season, and it is clear from the award of a new contract that he is part of our future plans.
“This is now an opportunity for him to get a run of games at senior level and he is the type of player who can make the most of the experience.
“Hopefully the move will benefit all parties and we look forward to monitoring Sean’s progress over the coming months.”
The striker comes straight into the squad for tomorrow night’s clash with Kerry FC.
He told Finn Harps TV: “It feels great, I’m delighted to get the move done. I know a few of the boys in the squad already and I’ve worked under Kevin McHugh and Eamon Curry from my time in the academy, I’m just excited to get going now.”
Harps boss Darren Murphy said: “It was a no-brainer for me. Everyone speaks very highly of Sean and I’d like to thank Ruaidhri Higgins and Mark McChrystal at Derry for helping push the deal through.
I know a few bodies have left in the window so it’s great to have Sean in the door now to give us a bit of competition for places at that end of the pitch. I’m really looking forward to working with him and hopefully he can get settled and hit the ground running.”