Thomas Stewart has opted to try his luck in the second tier of American soccer by agreeing to join Carolina RailHawks.

The former Linfield ace had been exploring his options ever since Derry City were thrown out of the Premier Division last season after they were found to be operating a dual contract system.

While many Airtricity League clubs would have been happy to offer the skillful attacker a new home, he has decided to take on a new challenge by linking up with a club in Division 2 of the USSF league.

Stewart, who won 18 caps for Northern Ireland U-21's, will be familiar with the RailHawks manager Martin Rennie and will hope to use the move as a chance to relaunch his career.