Portchester's former Pompey Academy prospect Oscar Johnston returns to Scandinavia to seek professional chance

Oscar Johnston on the ball for Pompey in their FA Youth Cup tie at Liverpool in December 2018. Picture: Colin Farmery

The 18-year-old, who joined AFC Portchester just a few weeks ago, is spending a two-week stint in Sweden in a bid to earn a deal.

Johnston was absent for the Royals' 2-1 friendly defeat at Isthmian League Premier outfit Lewes at the weekend.

Now Portchester boss Mick Catlin is unsure whether he'll have him available for his side's Wessex Premier title push this term.

The attacking prospect had a brief spell with Finnish team Pallo-Iirot last summer before returning to the UK where he had a spell at Gosport Borough, then managed by Catlins’ current No 2 Lee Molyneaux.

'Oscar is going to be away for a couple of weeks as he continues to pursue a professional career,’ said Catlin.

'We’ll see what happens with him.

'It’s all come up pretty quickly, he’d been in Finland before so he’s got a few contacts.

‘Hopefully it works out for him, if not he’ll be back with us.'

Captain Steve Ramsey's free-kick had given Portchester an interval lead at Lewes.

However, the hosts turned things around at The Dripping Pan courtesy of two second-half strikes.

Catlin took plenty of positives from his side's third friendly.

'It was a good run-out,' he added. ‘We were playing Lewes who are two levels above us.

‘I was pleased with it, we’re gradually progressing.'