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Gareth Fullerton

Ukrainian teenager breaking down barriers at SuperCupNI

A Ukrainian teenager is breaking down barriers at this week's SuperCupNI.

Vladislav Sadovoy is just 14 years old. He recently arrived in Northern Ireland following Russia's invasion of his country.

Like any other young boy he is football mad, and has compared his own playing style to Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.

Read more: SuperCupNI 2022: Gerard Lyttle laments 'game of two halves' as young side loses out to Manchester United

After arriving in Northern Ireland, Vladislav linked up with Portadown FC after the club put out a social media appeal for new players. And now the versatile forward is enjoying tournament football at this week's SuperCupNI.

"Vladislav arrived over here a few weeks ago from Ukraine. He and his mum were placed in Portadown," explained Ports coach Alan Curran, whose Under 14 side is competing in the Youth Section at this week's competition.

"When we sent out the social media message his host messaged our Facebook page and we said bring him down. He has been training with us for about six weeks and now he is with us at the SuperCupNI.

"He is settling in and doing really well. It is a challenge due to his limited English, but Vladislav is currently taking English classes and is improving all the time.

"We have been using Google translate to get by in the meantime.

"He is big into his football. He is from Kyiv and his father has obviously been left over there. We would love for the war in Ukraine to end tomorrow so Vladislav can go home and see his dad again.

"That's what we would love to see. But until then we want him to feel as welcome as possible in Portadown and at our club."

Vladislav featured in Portadown's opening game against Linfield on Monday and enjoyed more game time in their second match against Coleraine on Tuesday.

"The committee did its bit in buying all his kit, and helping with costs for coming to the SuperCupNI. A couple of sponsors have supported him which is great," Alan added.

"We hope this week will bring Vladislav closer to the rest of the boys. He loves his football and is always training and practising."

As for discovering the 14-year-old's best position, Alan said Vladislav was quick to pinpoint which playing style he emulated.

"We asked Vladislav on Google Translate what positions he played in, and his reply was 'striker, winger, De Bruyne'," Alan said.

"He can play in different positions. He can play wide in a 4-3-3 for us, and he has ability and is comfortable on the ball.

"It is great having him with us."

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