Prolific Bristol City youth striker on trial at League of Ireland outfit as as he scores twice for new club

Louis Britton was prolific for City at Under-23’s level but hasn’t been able to get into the first-team
Louis Britton had a loan spell at Torquay United under Gary Johnson. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Louis Britton had a loan spell at Torquay United under Gary Johnson. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Louis Britton had a loan spell at Torquay United under Gary Johnson. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Bristol City striker Louis Britton is on trial at League of Ireland side Derry City as they run the role over him.

The young forward has been allowed to temporarily leave the Robins this week and has trained and played for Derry in two friendlies.

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Britton made an impact as he earned his temporary side a draw by scoring a goal against Drogheda United, who play in the same division. He followed it up a few days later by scoring against Institute in a 5-0 win.

Liking what he saw from Britton in their first match Derry manager Ruaidhri Higgins said: “He’s a target man type of striker and he’s over for a week or so and we’ll see how that goes.

“He has come highly recommended so we’ll have a look at him over the next while and see where we go with it.”

Britton, who has made one senior appearance for City, is out of contract at the end of the season and could be allowed to leave on a free transfer to either Derry or another club.

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Whilst others have graduated into the first-team like Ayman Benarous and Tommy Conway, Britton hasn’t been able to force his way into Nigel Pearson’s plans.

Prolific at Under-23's level scoring 13 goals, making him the top scorer for the youth division, he reportedly attracted the interest of both West Brom and Wolves.

Back in September, Pearson said that he didn't have the right fitness levels to train with the first-team for the rigours and toughness of the Championship.

Louis Britton hasn’t been able to be a part of Bristol City’s youthful revolution. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)Louis Britton hasn’t been able to be a part of Bristol City’s youthful revolution. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Louis Britton hasn’t been able to be a part of Bristol City’s youthful revolution. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Britton has been with the club since 2019 after going through the unconventional route of playing in the non-league rather than an academy system. He played for Cadbury Heath, Brislington and then Mangotsfield before earning a professional deal.

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He has had loan spells at Yate Town, Bath City as well as Torquay United where he played under former City boss Gary Johnson.

The 20-year-old spent last month on loan at National League outfit Woking, appearing four times but didn’t find the back of the net.

City in their article announcing his temporary departure said the loan was to prepare him for a move to the Football League in the New Year but now a new opportunity has arisen which could change the path of his football career.

A move across the Irish Sea to the top flight of Irish football, where plenty of players have made a name for themselves could be the start a player like him needs in senior football.

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The likes of Seamus Coleman, Shane Long and Roy Keane all went on to have long careers in English football after stints in Ireland.

If Britton does enough to earn a deal at the Brandywell Stadium then he could find himself playing European football next summer.

The Candystripes qualified back in November and will enter at the first round of qualifying in the Europa Conference League, European football’s third tier competition.

Meanwhile earlier in the week, academy forward and Wales Under-21 forward Sam Pearson joined Scottish Championship side Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

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The 20-year-old replaced Cameron Harper in the 72nd minute as his new side drew 1-1 with Dunfermline Athletic.

Pearson, who made his debut for City last season against Queens Park Rangers is contracted to the club until the summer of 2024 after signing a three-year deal in May 2021.

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