Mansfield Town allow Joe Fitzpatrick to go out on loan to Sutton Coldfield

The ex-Wolves’ academy player, who turned 18 on Thursday, will gain valuable experience in men’s football, according to Stags’ boss Adam Murray.

“Joe is another one of our players who we have high hopes for in the future,” said Murray.

“There is a lot of competition in the midfield areas just now and we feel that over the next few weeks he won’t get the game time that he needs (at Mansfield).

“We don’t have a reserve team this season and it’ll be a case of organising games for players who need match minutes.

“We feel it is the right time to get Joe out on loan to gain more experience.

“He’ll play six games in the first month, and in an environment where he has to win, perform and will obtain match fitness.

“Joe is a part of our future and this will be another step in his development, just like so many of our other kids,” he added.