DEFENDER Ryan Johnson is to remain with Kidderminster Harriers after signing a permanent contract with the club.

The powerful 22-year-old had spent the first half of the season on loan from EFL side Stevenage.

With that spell over, the club have moved swiftly to keep the Northern Ireland U21 International in the camp and invest in his future by signing him to an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee.

Boss Neil MacFarlane said: “We have worked really hard with Ryan and, although there have been times through the season where he knows he can improve, with all young players – especially in that position as a defender – there will be times when they make mistakes.

“We have stuck by him and he has repaid us in recent weeks.

“He has been growing and growing, and has done fantastically well – I am convinced he’ll get better and better… he has some fantastic attributes.”