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.

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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.

He also started the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Wimbledon, which saw Stanley miss out 3-2 on aggregate to the Dons after a dramatic floodlight failure.

Manager John Coleman said: “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.”

Earlier this week, Coleman identified McCartan as the ‘most natural finisher’ at the club, adding: “If he gets a run of games and can grab that opportunity with both hands, who knows what we’ll find from him?”

The manager has also spoken of his expectations for next season, especially with the work going on to improve the stadium and the pitch that he was critical of towards the end of last season.

The playing surface has been reseeded and levelled, while the Clayton End is undergoing a major revamp thanks to the support of local firms.

Planning permission has also been granted by Hyndburn Borough Council for the building of a new stand along the Whinney Hill side of the ground.

Coleman said: “This is without a doubt a club on the up. I walked through the door in 1999 and this is the most prosperous time the club’s ever had.”