Keeper Fulton praised after making senior debut

Burnley-born shot-stopper Ryan Fulton received high praise from one of his new team-mates after impressing on his senior debut for Portsmouth.
Ryan Fulton impressed on his maiden senior appearance which included a superb penalty saveRyan Fulton impressed on his maiden senior appearance which included a superb penalty save
Ryan Fulton impressed on his maiden senior appearance which included a superb penalty save

The 19-year-old was brought to Fratton Park by former Clarets midfielder Paul Cook on a youth loan until the end of the season following injury to goalkeeper Brian Murphy.

The Anfield teenager, who has been an unused substitute on four occasions for Liverpool this term, made his Pompey bow in the League Two clash with Oxford United at the weekend.

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Fulton, who hadn’t even trained with the team having arrived 24 hours prior to the fixture, conceded a 51st minute spot kick when upending Danny Hylton but made amends with a stunning double save from penalty-taker Liam Sercombe.

Portsmouth, however, went on to lose the game 1-0 in front of a crowd of 17,840 after Jordan Bowery netted in the 76th minute.

One-time Fleetwood Town winger Gareth Evans said: “I thought Ryan was very good. He was put in a difficult situation when he gave away the penalty, he had to come out, it was the right decision.

“It was one of those you see all the time when a keeper has gone for the ball and taken him out.

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“It was a fantastic double save from the penalty but aside from that his kicking was very good.

“Considering that was his first senior game, I was really impressed with him.”

Evans added: “We realised Murph was in trouble Wednesday and Thursday.

“The gaffer has been doing his best to get someone in, so credit for bringing Ryan to the club.

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“We hadn’t trained with him and met him on the day of the game – sometimes that happens in an emergency situation.

“It can be tough to get someone in as quick as the gaffer has and Ryan did well for us and deserves credit for that.”

Fulton was on the bench for Jurgen Klopp’s Reds in the 2-2 draw with Exeter in the third round of the FA Cup earlier in the month.

However, as the youngster didn’t feature at St James Park, he’s eligible to feature in Portsmouth’s South Coast derby against Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth in the fourth round of the competition tomorrow.