Pat proud to represent Ukrainians on the front line with pride as he targets a place in the Peterborough United first team

Sykut, who turned 18 this week, hit the headlines by scoring on his full debut for Posh in a League One home game with Exeter last season.

That sort of form earned him a first call-up for Ukraine and a chance to shine at the European Under 19 Championships in Wales this summer. The gifted forward claimed an assist as Ukraine qualified for the next World Under 20 Cup by topping a tough group involving Italy, Croatia and Serbia before they were beaten by Germany in a semi-final.

The experiences have left Sykut hungry for more on two fronts. Getting picked in the first matchday Posh squad of the 2026-27 season is a target as is more international experience and success for a country still involved in a long, drawn-out war with Russia.

Sykut was speaking to the Posh Plus service during the club’s training camp in Spain. He said: “I’m grateful to everyone involved in my journey. I didn’t expect to be in the Posh first team last season, never mind to make my debut and score a goal.

"That success gave me the chance to play my country as well so It’s been a crazy year. The plan now is to catch the gaffer’s eye and be involved in the first game of next season. That might not happen as they might think I’m not quite ready so I will play some under 21 games as well. I’ll look to play week in, week out though and try and score some goals to make the fans happy.

"It’s good that I’m here in Spain and it’s up to me to take the opportunity to show what I can do.

“Playing for Ukraine was a great experience and an honour. We were playing against some of the best players in Europe and it turned out very successfully for me and the team. The main goal was qualifying for the World Cup.

"It was a really good environment. There was love and passion for each other and a desire to work hard. We had players some from all over to play including from the United States. We had a player from Bayern Munich so our standard was high. We had a lot of quality in all areas of the pitch and the best support of any country.

"I was so proud of everyone. To top the group was a fantastic achievement. I have family in Ukraine which is under constant bombardment and representing those people on the frontline with pride gave us extra motivation.

"To get an assist on the international stage was great. I’m still waiting for a goal, but opportunities will come if I keep getting picked.”