SWINDON Town forward Jordan Stewart is being urged not to waste a big opportunity after suffering a bout of homesickness during his early days at the County Ground.

The 20-year-old Northern Irish under 21 international signed from Glentoran last month but is struggling to settle in to his new surroundings.

The fledgling youngster has been absent from the Swindon matchday squad since his appearance on the bench against Burton Albion.

Town manager Mark Cooper has explained that is because Stewart returned to his home in Northern Ireland to see his family.

However, the County Ground boss has urged the young player to not fritter away the chance that the club have handed him.

“He’s back (in Swindon) now, he wants to give it a go,” Cooper told the local media after Tuesday night’s draw at Doncaster.

“He had a couple of days off to go and see his family. He’s back and he trained on Tuesday.

“He realises that he’s got a big opportunity and he wants to knuckle down.

“It’s difficult, he’s a young lad, he’s away from home. He has to realise if wants the opportunity or not, that’s up to him.

“He has reassured me he wants to come back.”

Town’s more senior players have been trying to help Stewart settle into life in Swindon but Cooper admits the stop-start nature of the 20-year-old’s arrival at Swindon has meant that he is not yet fit enough to feature for Town.

“The boys have been trying to look after him, going round to see him,” he added.

“We’re trying to get him sorted in a flat, get some of the boys around him to give him a cuddle. He’ll be alright.

“It’s been a little bit disjointed for him. He’s come in for a few days and then gone on international duty, gone back home for a break, so he’s not fit enough to partake yet.”

Stewart’s agent Lee Mudd is hoping the forward can settle at the club and fulfil his full potential.

“Jordan has got a fantastic opportunity at Swindon Town and we all wish him well,” Mudd told the Belfast Telegraph.

“It’s not easy for our young players who have to make sacrifices to carve out a career across the water.

“The club has been fantastic and looked after him well but it’s up to Jordan what he wants to do in his life and his career.

“We are all delighted he has got the move he dreamed of and I hope he can settle over there, work hard and realise his potential.”