I’ve learned so much since Linfield axing, admits new Coleraine signing Jack Scott

Jack Scott is eager for a fresh start at Coleraine

New Coleraine signing Jack Scott says the recent ups and downs of his football career have taught him more lessons than he’s ever had in his life.

The 21-year-old defender on Monday put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Bannsiders, just two months after being summarily dumped by Linfield.

Formerly on the books of Wolves and St Patrick’s Athletic, Scott starred for the Blues’ academy sides before returning to Windsor Park in the summer, scoring on his debut as David Healy’s team claimed a 3-1 win over KF Vllaznia in the Europa Conference League.

He also netted twice in Linfield’s Sports Direct Premiership defeat of Loughgall in September but made his 14th and final appearance for the club just over a fortnight later before being released alongside fellow summer recruit John Robertson.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international — set to make his Bannsiders bow in Friday’s Clearer Water Irish Cup fifth round tie with Cliftonville — says he has learned from the experience.

“The last six months have taught me so many more lessons than I’ve ever had in my life,” he told Coleraine’s YouTube channel. “Like on the football side of things, how quickly it can all disappear.

“I’ve been doing my own stuff in the gym and running, trying to train my own bits but nothing is the same as being in a team environment. It’s a new chapter for me, it’s a new experience. I want to get back in and help this club get where we want to be.”

Manager Oran Kearney said: “It’s about trying to make sure that he can kick on and find his feet in football again.

“On the pitch, we’re going to get a bundle of energy, a really good work ethic, a real honesty about him; and off the