Former Manchester United academy graduate Ben Pierce insists he only has eyes for Portadown after signing a one year deal with the newly-promoted club.
Pierce, who made a shock move to the Irish League in January after leaving West Brom last summer, committed his immediate future to Matthew Tipton’s men at the weekend.
And while the 21-year-old, who once trained alongside David de Gea at United, harbours dreams of returning to full-time football, his primary aim is to impress at Shamrock Park.
Pierce, who made five appearances for the Ports prior to lockdown, said: “I had numerous chats with the manager and board and I’m made up to sign a new deal.
“The club was keen to keep me on for another season and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the top division in Northern Ireland.
“It’s fantastic that the club has been promoted and I’m relishing the prospect of testing myself against the likes of Linfield, Glentoran and other top clubs next season.
“When I joined Portadown in January I viewed it as a chance to get minutes and I view this is a chance to make another step up, which I need at this stage of my career.”
The Irish League has provided a platform for the likes of Gavin Whyte, Liam Boyce, Mark Sykes and Joel Cooper to earn moves to English clubs in recent years.
But while Pierce, who played alongside Marcus Rashford at Manchester United youth level, is still fiercely ambitious, he insists he isn’t looking beyond next season.
“I’m a Portadown player and my only focus now is on giving my all for the club, the manager, my team mates, the staff and supporters,” he said.
“All I can do is let my ability take care of itself on the pitch and if anything happens in the background, fine by me, but that’s not what I’m thinking about.
“The job in hand for me now is to focus on playing as well as I can for Portadown and keep as many clean sheets as I can for the club next season.”
While no-one knows for certain when the new season will kick off - early October has been mooted - Portadown are relishing a return to the Premiership.
And the Mid Ulster giants will be eager to hit the ground running as they target consolidation in the top flight of local football.
“That’s the plan,” said Pierce. “We have a great group of lads and a lot of quality, which we were able to show in the Championship last season before lockdown.
“On a personal level I just want to help Portadown pick up as many points as we can
“It’s a new challenge and I’m looking forward to improving on a personal level but also helping the club make a positive impression in the top division.”
