Portadown midfielder George Tipton believes he has learned a lot from his trial at Burnley, telling News Letter his spell with the Premier League outfit was certainly an “eye-opener”.
With funds tight at Turf Moor – despite the presence of new American investors – Sean Dyche and co are once again sifting through the bargain bucket in search of low-cost, high-potential additions.
Burnley have also taken to looking at two of the most exciting young talents from across the Irish sea.
Tipton, and his prolific Portadown teammate Lee Bonis, have both been on trial at the Lancashire outfit although it seems unlikely at this stage the Shamrock Park pair will be offered a full-time contract by the Premier League club.
“Burnley was an eye-opener about what I need to do,” Tipton explains, reflecting on his short spell at Turf Moor.
“If I’m serious about getting in a position for a move across the water and to make it that way in the game, it’s about learning from the experience. Even over those few days away you can take so much out of it.
“The speed and intensity of everything, from training to games, was great to see.
Tipton: Taking Burnley lessons ‘back home’
“Our training is considered intense here at Portadown and you expect a difference obviously as it’s not full-time – but, again, it’s about drawing something from everything.
“Now it’s about taking all those lessons back home and adding to my game here in the Irish League to help me improve.”
Formerly a centre-forward, Tipton has blossomed into a hard-working midfielder at Portadown while becoming one of the first names on the Wee Reds’ team sheet.
If the youngster continues to develop at such an impressive rate, it won’t be long before Burnley – or another Premier League club – sends scouts scudding across the sea.
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