ACCRINGTON Stanley striker Shay McCartan has penned a new two-year deal at the Wham Stadium, the club has announced.

The former Burnley apprentice signed for the Reds in January 2013 and has made 83 appearances, scoring 14 goals.

McCartan, 22, was used mainly as a substitute last season, but went agonisingly close to securing automatic promotion for the club when he hit the bar in injury-time of the final game against Stevenage.

Manager John Coleman said of the Northern Ireland Under-21 international: “It’s a big year for Shay.

“Josh Windass’s form last year kept Shay from playing the position he wanted to play in and now it’s a big chance for him.

“I am confident he will grab the opportunity with both hands. He is capable of scoring a lot of goals this season.”

The Reds boss added: “People will speak about Shay hitting the bar against Stevenage, but the may forget his last minute diving header against Plymouth which was vital at the time.

"No-one misses on purpose and it is swings and roundabouts.

“Shay is an exciting player and he can get better – he needs to be consistent and hopefully we will see that this season.”