Exclusive: Reading FC striker Sean Patton to go out on loan

The Ireland youth international has returned to regular football with the academy after having been side-lined with an injury picked up in pre-season.

Patton made his long-awaited return to action after starting in the Reading Under-21s' Premier League 2 fixture against Liverpool U21s on October 17. He played his first 45 minutes to get back to match fitness.

Last Saturday the striker started again for u21s against Nottingham Forest U21s. This time he found the back of the net after 20 minutes and completed just over an hour of football before being replaced by Torin Ntege, who went on to secure the win for the young Royals.

Patton last featured in a competitive senior match when he came off the bench for Reading's in their League One fixture against Rotherham United in April.

The 20-year-old also enjoyed a very successful loan with Aldershot Town, under current Reading assistant manager John Coleman, last season having scored five goals in six games and registering an assist, before he was recalled from the National League side due to Jack Marriott's injury in February.

The young striker has been itching to play regular senior minutes and it looks like he will soon get his chance.

Richardson told The Reading Chronicle after the Royals defeated Leyton Orient: "He's been out obviously a while, hasn't he?

"He had his first 45 minutes on Saturday [October 17]. There have been a few clubs in non-league asking obviously for the loan, so we'll just look after him a little bit before he goes there.

"He's coming on well, so fingers crossed he can continue where he left off."

Earlier this month he signed a new two-year contract extension that will keep him at the Select Car Leasing Stadium until the summer of 2028.

"We're really pleased to get Sean tied down," Richardson said about Patton's contract extension.

"He's a talented young player with a lot of potential, but just as importantly he's got a great attitude and a real desire to keep improving.

"He contributed to the first team last season and then had an excellent loan spell at Aldershot under John Coleman, which was another really important step in his development and gave him valuable experience of playing regular senior football.

"The injury he picked up in pre-season has been a bump in the road, but his application and attitude throughout his recovery have been excellent.

"The way he's worked to overcome that setback will stand him in good stead as he moves forward.

"There's plenty more to come from Sean. He's hungry to develop, work hard and earn his opportunities, and we're looking forward to seeing him continue that progression."