A WEST KILBRIDE football star admits he is “honestly buzzing” after extending his contract with English football club Charlton Athletic.

Harris O’Connor began his journey with the south-east London club before moving north of the border in 2014.

He was then snapped up by Kilmarnock, appearing for Scotland’s youth development teams alongside Scotland star Billy Gilmour.

He signed pro-terms with Rangers, but was released in 2021, before re-signing with his first club’s under-23 side – and Charlton announced he would be extending his stay last week.

Harris, 20, said: “When I was told, I felt relief to not be in the same position as the end of last season. To also hear how highly the coaches thought of me gave me a boost going into next season.

“Moving down south has been great. Because I was at Charlton as a young boy, everything feels familiar and has made it easy to settle in.

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“Being away from family can be tough at times but I do still have relatives near me and also friends from school who I have stayed in touch with.

“Living in South London is obviously a lot different to West Kilbride, but I enjoy the busy lifestyle and then coming home during my breaks to relax and spend time with family.”

It has been all change at Charlton this summer, with first-team manager Johnny Jackson sacked at the end of the season, though Harris is confident of developing at the club.

He added: “With the manager coming in, I see it as another opportunity to impress.

“Johnny Jackson gave me opportunities to train with the first team, as well as naming me as one of the 18 in the EFL Trophy.

“I think the main difference between Rangers and Charlton is the amount of players in recent years who have come through the academy to have successful careers at the top level at Charlton.

“I think the opportunity is definitely there with the club trusting youth season after season.

“Charlton is the right place for me to develop and push forward.”