Johnny hoping for a belated Christmas present

The Portrush lad has had a pretty memorable season to date. Back in August he came off the bench to make his first team debut against Loughgall in the League Cup. It’s turned out to be real ‘boy’s own’ for Stewart as he scored a memorable winner.

But he is hoping to go one better on Boxing Day and fire the Reserves to Craig Memorial Cup glory.

“I can’t wait for it to be honest,” Stewart told Times Sport.

“It would be brilliant if we could go on and win it, it would be just rewards for all our hard work last week.”

The striker is hoping that the character the Bannsiders second string has shown to date this term will stand them in good stead for the much anticipated clash against Moyola Park.

“The lads have been superb so far this season,” said Stewart.

“We just don’t know when we are beaten. That has been proven in the wins over Institute and Lisburn Distillery.

“We have a real fighting spirit in the camp, when get on really well with each other and that makes a big difference.

“We know we will be up against it, Moyola will be the favourites, but we certainly won’t be lying down to them.”

Stewart is hoping a positive result will be another step up the ladder for him and the rest of the squad in their dream to break into the first team.

“I’ve had an unbelievable season to date with being included in a few first team squads,” he said.

“And I’ve learned a lot form working with the first team players. This would be the icing on the cake for me, and would be the perfect late Christmas present. A win for us and a win for the first team would make for a great day.”