Belfast footballer Sean Stewart has signed his first professional contract with Norwich City.
The Under 18s defender has put pen-to-paper on a deal that will keep him with the Canaries until the summer of 2024.
Former St Oliver Plunkett player Stewart has been a regular feature in Norwich U18s this season, making nine appearances and playing every minute of each game.
The gifted teenager - who joined Norwich in 2019 - has also enjoyed two appearances for David Wright’s Under-23s.
Stewart's progressed also earned him a matchday spot in the Papa John’s Trophy group stage game against MK Dons.
“I’m absolutely buzzing," Stewart told the club's website.
"It’s such a surreal feeling to see the hard work has paid off. The club have shown faith in me and rewarded me with such a good contract like that. I’m just happy and proud.
“The faith they’ve shown me has given me confidence that I can achieve as much as I want to in this game. I’m just going to keep pushing myself.
“Because of the faith they’ve shown in me, I have to show it back and give them what they’ve given me. I’m working really hard at the moment to repay that faith.”
Stewart's Under 23 debut came against an experienced Leeds United squad.
The 18-year-old said he enjoyed the experience despite being nervous beforehand.
“Playing that game, I was super nervous beforehand, but then like all things, you get used to the game and settled in," he added.
“The boys all really helped me, the teammates I have here are unbelievable, they really put their arm around me that day and helped me out and because of that support I was able to do my thing.
“I think there was six or seven first-team players playing that day, that’s what you want at that level, to gain some experience and see what level you’re at.
“I think since joining last year that’s been the goal [earning a place in the U23s]. The main goal is to get into the first-team, but you have to take it step-by-step and keep working hard to try and achieve that.”
