FORMER Burnley midfielder Steven Hewitt is relieved to have his future sorted out after earning a contract at Accrington Stanley.

The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a one-year deal having been on trial with the Reds during the early weeks of pre-season.

Hewitt came through the ranks at Burnley but made just three senior appearances in his time at Turf Moor.

He had loan spells at Alfreton, Southport and Chester, and rejoined Southport for a second spell for the final three months of last season, before being released by Burnley.

“When my contract was up at the end of last season, my agent made contact with Accrington Stanley and I have been on trial," Hewitt said.

"It’s hard coming on trial, it’s a nervy time and it’s competitive so it was a huge relief when the gaffer offered me a contract.

"I know Shay McCartan from my Burnley days so I have kept in touch with his and Accrington’s progress and I know they like to play football and not just lump it forward so it suits my style of play.

"It’s a big season for me as I am 22 and want to play regularly and hopefully I can do that with Accrington. It is nice to be sorted and signed up and I can’t wait to get going.”

Hewitt twice featured for Burnley in the Championship but he admitted he knew his time at the club was up towards the end of last term.

“I was at Burnley as a scholar and then I signed a two-and-a-half year professional deal,” he said.

"I made my debut against Brighton in April 2012 and also played in the Capital One Cup against Plymouth and came on against Watford in the Championship in 2013.

"I had loan spells at Alfreton and then last year I was at Chester and finished the season at Southport. I knew I wouldn’t break into the first team at Burnley so I knew I was going to be released."