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Gareth Fullerton

Sean O'Neill says it's odds-on Crusaders teens become cross-channel stars

Sean O'Neill believes it's odds-on that Crusaders teenagers Jack Patterson and Joel Thompson become cross-channel stars.

The exciting young Seaview pair started Saturday's Irish Premiership game against Dungannon Swifts.

They were two of seven changes made by Stephen Baxter, with the Crues having one eye on next Friday's massive Irish Cup semi-final against Cliftonville.

Read more: Jordan Stewart explains dugout gesture after scoring equaliser against Warrenpoint Town

Midfielder Patterson looks set for a summer move to English Premier League club Everton, while the Toffees are also admirers of Thompson who has previously gone on trial with West Ham United.

And Crusaders goalkeeper O'Neill - who is currently on-loan with Ballymena United - believes the 16-year-olds are destined for big things.

O'Neill told BBC Sportsound: "They are two very good players.

Dungannon’s Rhyss Campbell with Crusaders' Jack Patterson (INPHO/Stephen Hamilton)

"If I was a betting man I would get money on them getting a wee move to England.

"I think Jack is near enough a done deal with Everton, and Joel is on the books of so many teams who are keeping an eye on him.

"So they are two really good players and really good on the ball and it is good seeing them get a chance today."

O'Neill is the latest Irish League player to heap praise on Cusaders' youngsters.

Back in September Johnny Black said he was left impressed by the club's academy prospects after training alongside them.

He also had special praise for Patterson, who unfortunately picked up an ankle injury in Saturday's game against Dungannon.

"There are a lot of youth team players coming through at the minute at Crusaders, which is great to see," Black told Belfast Live.

Joel Thompson (right) in action against Dungannon Swifts (INPHO/Stephen Hamilton)

"They are training with us, and I am not sure how many of them have featured in the first-team squad.

"There is a smashing young player called Jack Patterson. I tell you what, that kid is going to be a baller. He has been across the water quite a bit for trials and it is only a matter of time before he gets a move.

"I can see him moving up the ranks at international level, too. He just needs to fill out a bit."

Read more: Irish FA fines Cliftonville and Coleraine for spectator misconduct at League Cup final

Read more: Linfield boss David Healy 'booed' after laying down the law for Warrenpoint Town test

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