The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Stewart thrilled to play with Dons idol
Rising Aberdeen teenage midfield star Alfie Stewart is targeting promotion play-off glory with loan club Peterhead.
And the 17-year-old admits he is in dreamland playing alongside a player he idolised during his time at Pittodrie – Peter Pawlett.
Stewart, who skippers Aberdeen Under-18s, will face Spartans away tonight in the first leg of a League One play-offs semi-final alongside former Dons attacker Pawlett.
Now 33, Pawlett racked up 212 appearances for the Dons, scoring 21 times, from 2009 to 2017.
Tonight’s semi-final will be the latest high-stakes game for Stewart in a hectic period.
Stewart captained Aberdeen U18s last week in their 2-1 SFA Youth Cup final loss to Rangers at Hampden.
The young Dons are also still fighting for the league title.
Stewart said: “Peter used to be my favourite player at Aberdeen and now I’m playing alongside him, which is brilliant.
“Peter is a really good guy and helps me a lot.
“It was weird when I first went into the changing room and Peter was there.
“I sit beside him in the changing room – it’s great.”
Peterhead secured a semi-final spot by finishing runners-up in League Two to title winners Stenhousemuir.
Former Dundee United and MK Dons attacker Pawlett signed for Peterhead in January until summer 2025.
Stewart also joined the Balmoor club in January, on a loan deal until the end of the season, and he has made 15 appearances.
Peterhead were relegated to League Two last summer and are targeting an immediate return to League One.
Stewart said: “Peterhead have had a very good season so far. Obviously, Stenhousemuir won the league title, but I can’t wait for the play-offs.”
Stewart has been with
the Dons for more than eight years, graduating from the youth academy in 2022.
The midfielder signed a new contract in January tying him to the Pittodrie club until summer 2026.
He attended Newtonhill Primary School before going on to the SFA Performance School at Hazlehead.
The midfielder can play on the right or as a number 10.
He insists the loan spell
at Peterhead has been invaluable to his development.
Stewart said: “They are a great group at Peterhead.
“It is men’s football, which I went there to play.
“It has gone really well and the rewards are coming for me.
“I have learned a lot from my time at Peterhead such as how to use my body more and also the spaces I need to get into. Also, when to get on the ball and when not to get on the ball.”