Seán Mannion is set to become a St. Patrick's Athletic player if he is able to prove his fitness to manager Pat Dolan.

The 20-year-old has been training with Pat's since he was told by Stockport that he was no longer wanted at the club. Mannion joined Stockport in 1997 from crack schoolboy outfit Stella Maris.

His time at Edgeley Park has been far from happy - only playing 24 minutes of first-team football in two seasons. He played for Pat's in a friendly during the week and has been told if he can prove his fitness he will secure a contract at the club.

"When Seán came to us his fitness was not what it should have been but he has worked very hard," revealed Dolan.

"He still has a lot to do before we would consider playing him, but he is on the right track and we are beginning to see the real Seán Mannion. It can be traumatic when you are released by an English club because you suffer under the stigma of failure - but he hasn't thrown in the towel.

"He's a great lad with a good attitude and we're hoping he'll be a valuable addition to our squad," concluded Dolan.