Northern Ireland teenager Brandon Downey believes gaining senior experience at Crusaders has helped him settle seamlessly into life with Portsmouth as the attacker continues making a name for himself by impressing in England.

The 17-year-old joined Pompey from the Crues last summer after making 10 Premiership appearances alongside featuring in cup competitions.

Downey has starred for the Championship club’s U18s and carried his fine form into the current campaign, where he has scored five goals and provided four assists across their opening seven matches.

Tattyreagh native Downey caught the attention of Portsmouth manager John Mousinho during pre-season with the teenage sensation called up to train with the senior team – he made an immediate impact by scoring in a friendly draw against Bristol Rovers.

placeholder image — Brandon Downey joined Portsmouth from Crusaders in 2025. (Photo by Portsmouth FC)

A Northern Ireland U19 international, Downey is loving life in England and feels coming through the ranks at Crusaders helped provide the perfect platform.

"I'm really happy with how the season has started," Downey told the News Letter. “I've worked hard during pre-season and just tried to take my opportunities when I've got them.

"Getting involved with the senior team and scoring against Bristol Rovers in front of the fans was special. Assisting on my first appearance with the first team against Woking gave me the confidence to kick on.

“It was a big change moving away from home and coming over to England, but everyone at Portsmouth has made me feel really welcome and it's most kids dream to be where I'm at. I've settled in well and I'm enjoying both football and life here.

"Playing men's football at Crusaders gave me experience of playing against older, stronger players, so that prepared me for the physical side of the game here.

"It also gave me confidence of playing at senior level which I think helped going into pre-season with the first team and prepared me more. I'm really grateful to Crusaders for giving me that opportunity.”

Portsmouth ply their trade in the English Championship and have a growing Northern Irish contingent with Downey joining former Glentoran and Dungannon Swifts star Terry Devlin at Fratton Park, while U21 international Eoin Kenny signed this summer.

Stepping up to train with proven senior professionals helped show Downey the levels required to forge his own successful career in football.

"It was brilliant,” added Downey on his pre-season experience. “To train and play alongside senior players who consistently play in the Championship was a great experience and something I learned a lot from.

"The intensity is higher and you have to think quicker, so it showed me the standards I need to reach...it also gave me the belief that I can compete at that level.

"I just want to keep improving and hopefully get more opportunities with the senior team.

"I want to contribute with more goals and assists and keep showing the coaches what I can do. I'm not looking too far ahead, though – I just want to keep taking it day by day and see where it goes.”

Devlin is the perfect example for all young Northern Irish stars looking to make their way in the game.

The 22-year-old made 60 league appearances across spells with Dungannon and Glentoran before earning his move to Portsmouth, and had to bide his time for an extended opportunity in the senior ranks.

Devlin has developed into a crucial player for Portsmouth – he was named their Player of the Year last season – and also established himself in Northern Ireland’s senior squad.

Just like Downey, Devlin hails from Co Tyrone and is an ideal role model for his young compatriot, showing what can be achieved

"Terry is someone I look up to because he's come over from Northern Ireland and established himself at Portsmouth,” said Downey. “Seeing what he's achieved shows that there is a pathway for young players from back home.

"He's a great player and it's good having someone from Northern Ireland around the club who I speak to quite often not just about football but if need help with anything outside of the training ground.”

Downey is one of many recent examples of players benefitting from time spent at Crusaders – Coist Walker joined Hull City last summer while Michael Mulholland, who scored on his Premiership debut this season, is set for a move to Premier League giants Liverpool.

Kieran Offord, Fraser Bryden and Adam Brooks have also all earned six-figure transfers after impressing in north Belfast.

With many friends still at Seaview, Downey continues to keep track of his former club’s results and wants to see them thriving.

"I still keep an eye on how they're getting on and I always want them to do well,” added Downey. “I've got a lot of friends and people there who helped me during my time at the club, so I'll always have a connection with Crusaders and be interested in their results.”