Irish underage defender Abankwah to join Udinese from St Patrick's Athletic

St Patrick's Athletic defender James Abankwah is set to join Serie A side Udinese from St Patrick's Athletic according to reports in Italy.

The defender broke through for the Saints in the latter part of last season at right-back and centre-half, impressing every time he featured.

He played in the FAI Cup final as a substitute as Pat’s went on to lift the Cup.

Abankwah’s club form was rewarded with international recognition as he featured for the Ireland Under-18 and Under-19 sides in his first call-ups late last year.

Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting the defender will transfer to the Serie A outfit but will stay on loan at Richmond Park until the summer to continue to gain first-team experience.

He would become the latest of young stars transferring from the League of Ireland in the last month with Johnny Kenny, Killian Phillips and John Mahon just some of the stars exiting for a higher level.

Last September 16-year-old midfielder Kevin Zefi completed a move from Shamrock Rovers to Inter Milan.