New deal at 'perfect time' admits Stewart

Coleraine defender Cameron Stewart says he is ready to have a 'great season' after committing his long term future to the club.

Stewart, who has made 27 appearances for the club since arriving from Ipswich Town last summer, has put pen to paper on a contract extension after impressing new head coach Ruaidhri Higgins.

“I’m delighted to sign a new deal,” said the 22-year-old central defender.

“Since the gaffer has arrived, I feel I’ve done well and we are doing things right and playing the style of football that I enjoy.

“Ruaidhri and his staff look after you and they know when to put their arm around you or give you some extra encouragement.

“It is the place that I want to be for the next few years.

“Everyone knows that I went to Coleraine games when I was a child and my dad and grandfather still go every week…so I’ve that special affiliation with the club.”

A regular last season alongside the departed Kyle McClelland, Stewart is yet to nail down a starting place under Higgins but is nevertheless enjoying working with a new coaching set-up and team-mates.

“I’m the youngest probably out of all the defenders but I think that’s really helped me learn off the likes of Charles, Kodi and Levi," continued Cameron.

“I feel like all my team-mates have my back and vice-versa.

“I don’t mind where I play; whether that’s at right-back, centre-back or the right of a back three…as long as I’m doing my bit.

“I feel this new deal has come at the perfect time and I’m ready now to have a great season.”

Bannsiders' boss Ruaidhri Higgins believes Stewart has the potential to become an important figure at the club.

"Cameron is a young centre-back with big potential," he said.

"He possesses really good attributes; he's a crisp passer of the ball, he wins his headers and he's an athlete.

"The only thing left for Cameron is believing in his own ability as he has all the traits.

"He's a brilliant lad and we had an open and honest conversation during the off-season about his future. However, he returned in pre-season highly motivated and he produced excellent performances.

"He is a vital part of our squad and will continue to be that," added the Limavady man.