BEN Currie says the stage is set for ‘promising’ half back Declan Patton to make a name for himself against Wakefield on Saturday.

Patton, like Currie, is a product of Warrington Wolves’ Academy and the former Latchford Albion junior has been named in Tony Smith’s 19-man squad for Super League round 10.

Currie did not play alongside the former Priestley College student in Wolves’ youth teams, but has been impressed by what he has seen of the 19-year-old.

With Wolves on a four-game losing run, Patton, who replaces Gareth O’Brien in the squad, has been thrown in to help turn things around at The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

“I’ve seen him play quite a few times,” said Currie. “He’s a really good, promising young lad. He joined us at the back end of last year and really impressed.

“I thought he might have possibly got a game last year, so it was only a matter of time for him.

“He can come in and make a name for himself if he kicks on and helps us improve.”

And Currie says the teenager has the potential to become a fans’ favourite.

“They love home-grown talent,” added the 20-year-old.

“He’s a tough little lad. He’s got a really good kicking game on him as well – it’s maybe an area we’ve been lacking lately so hopefully he can come in and improve our kicking game.

“He won’t be scared of taking them on and bossing a few of the older guys around as well.”

Currie, like many of Wolves’ current crop, has not endured a losing run to this extent before but says blame should not be pinned on a having a young side.

“Most of the players in the team haven’t been through this,” he explained. “I’ve not been through four defeats in a row since I’ve been a professional.

“Everyone’s a bit gutted but we’re staying positive and we know with a couple of wins we can easily climb the table.

“With a couple of wins we could end up second in the league. Anyone can beat anyone and that’s what the fans want; an intense league week in, week out, but we need to come up with the wins now.

“You look around the squad now and it’s really young – players for the last four, five, six years even that have come through the Academy.

“It’s really good to see us all progressing and hopefully we can be the future for Warrington.

“You can also get a lot of people putting the blame on young lads, but it’s a full-team game and everyone’s involved. You can only come out stronger at the end of it.

“Once we get through this stage I’m sure we can only get stronger and in the future we’ll know what to put right.”

The Ireland international has found himself regularly switching positions due to injuries in Tony Smith’s squad and admits he has so far not hit the form of last year.

“It’s not the start the team wanted but it’s not the start I wanted personally this year as well,” said Currie. “It’s my fourth season as a professional and I really wanted to kick on and impress this year.

“Once the team get playing well it will lift my performance.

“You do want one position to focus on and to get some regular games in there. When you’re moving around every week it’s quite difficult to do, but something I’m willing to do for the team.

“If you are in the same position week in, week out it can really help you. I’m enjoying it on the left side at second row now, hopefully I can grow a bit and learn a bit in that position.

“Centre is still a possibility, but I’m still finding my way.”