STEWART'S LOSS, ALBIREX'S GAIN

Lion's fruitless hunt for a European club results in him boosting the SPL champions

- Deepanraj Ganesan

To go far as a footballer, Ryhan Stewart knows he has to get out of his comfort zone.

So, despite interest from clubs in Thailand and Indonesia after his contract with Thai outfit BG Pathum United ended several months ago, the national player targeted Europe as his next port of call.

While in London to visit family and friends in June, the 24-yearold, who can play as a right-back or midfielder, also contacted clubs for trials in the hope of earning a contract.

His three-month search turned out to be fruitless with Stewart returning home to join Singapore Premier League (SPL) club Albirex Niigata in September - but that has not doused his fire.

"I think every player wants to always look to improve and I think it is important that I tried to get out of my comfort zone," said Stewart, who made his debut for Albirex in a 4-1 SPL win over Tanjong Pagar United on Sept 20.

"Leagues in Europe are at a much higher level and I really wanted to push myself to get something there." From June to September, he went on trials in Ireland (Premier Division side Sligo Rovers), Spain (third and fourth-tier clubs) and Austria (second-division team SKN St Polten).