Cameron Stewart may be three years into his Ipswich Town career, but the learning never stops. Like a sponge he has been soaking in every ounce of knowledge and advice since making the move across the water.
The 19-year-old, from Ballymena, joined Ipswich's academy back in 2019. It came after the teenage defender was spotted impressing for Linfield.
Three years on and Stewart is a more polished operator, both on and off the field of play. The confidence he exudes on the pitch is mirrored by his optimism during interviews.
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And he believes much of his growth is down to the football education he is being taught at Portman Road.
"I am loving it here. I have learnt so much since joining Ipswich in 2019," Stewart told Belfast Live.
"I am obviously delighted with the new two-year deal. The past three years have been brilliant and I have been really enjoying it.
"I just can't wait to see what the future holds. I am happy to get a new deal sorted so I can look ahead to the new season.
"I signed my first professional deal last summer. I was then brought into the Under 23s (from the Under 18s) last season and played a lot of games there.
"I also trained with the first team and played a few behind-closed-doors games with them which was really good. I have progressed so much, and a lot of it is down to training every day and learning every day.
"I started off with the U18s my first two years, and then I got called into the 23s. The next natural step is obviously the first team, so it has been good to be in and around that squad at various times."
If Stewart wants to break into Ipswich Town's first team, he will have to impress fellow Northern Irishman Kieran McKenna. The former Manchester United coach was appointed manager in December last year.
Stewart admits it is good having a familiar accent floating around, and says McKenna has been a source of advice and encouragement since coming into the job.
"Kieran has chatted to be a few times. I have had plenty of conversations with him," Stewart added.
"Obviously he hails from Co Fermanagh and it has been good having him around.
"He has so much experience in coaching and now management, and I have enjoyed working with him."
Stewart - who recently recovered from a broken toe sustained at the end of last season - admits his short-term future could lie away from Portman Road. The 19-year-old is being lined up for a loan move to give him some regular first-team football.
"A loan move could happen within the next month or so, maybe to League Two or the National League. Even Scotland is an option, too," Stewart adds.
"Getting regular first team football would really bring me on now. You learn so much playing men's football.
"And long-term I want to break into Ipswich's first team. The aim would be to go out on loan and play regular football, then come back to Ipswich and push on and try and get into the senior squad here."
Stewart harbours ambition at Ipswich, and that focus and drive extends to his international career. A former Under 17 and 19 international, he has now set his sights on progressing to Northern Ireland's Under 21 ranks and beyond.
He said: "The 21s will be the next target. Hopefully I get called up for the next camp.
"I love playing for Northern Ireland. I used to go to all the games when I was younger.
"My dream is to play with the senior team one day. Ian Baraclough has shown he is looking at younger players and giving them a chance.
"That is a positive and something that encourages all young players. It has been great seeing some young players who I know getting their chance.
"And a lot of defenders seem to be getting their chance, so hopefully I get an opportunity some day."
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