Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Demar Stewart

Reggae Boyz defender Demar Stewart has signed a two-year deal with new USL (United Soccer Leagues) PRO League club Orlando City FC and joins another Jamaican, Nicholas Addlery, in the league which sits one level below Major League Soccer (MLS).

Stewart, 26, the younger brother of Bristol City-based defender Damion, started his career at Portmore United before being snapped up by English outfit Sheffield United in 2007.

Difficulties in obtaining a work permit meant he had to be loaned out to Belgian team White Star Woluwe FC and then again to Chinese team Chengdu Blades FC in 2008.

Stewart, who has made 10 appearances for the national senior team, is considered the first of a number of internationals expected to become part of coach Adrian Heath's ambitious project. He is also partnered in defence by another Jamaican in Kieron Bernard, who has represented Jamaica at the youth level.

Heath, who has coached several English clubs such as Burnley, Sheffield United and Coventry City, has openly stated his intention to build a club built on the experience of international players.

Stewart's agent Robert Chambers of Pro Goal Sports USA believes this represents a great opportunity for the defender to reignite his international career.

"For Demar, Orlando City represents a good opportunity to re-ignite his club career, after having work-permit issues for years while owned by Sheffield United FC in England," said Chambers.

"Demar will now be surrounded with quality players, guided by a top-class coach; which can only be a good thing as he looks to prepare himself for a swift return to Europe."