FORMER Socceroo Darren Stewart has died, aged 52.

A defender, Stewart played in the NSL for clubs including APIA Leichhardt and Newcastle Breakers.

Stewart made his Socceroos debut in 1992 and earned three caps for his country.

Stewart later played in Malaysia, predominantly at Johor FA.

He later went on to coach, including heading up the Maldives national team.

Newcastle Jets chief executive Lawrie McKinna played with Stewart at APIA Leichhardt and paid tribute to his friend.

Lawrie McKinna and Darren Stewart. Photo: Supplied. Source: Supplied

“I was fortunate enough when I signed with APIA Leichardt, Darren was at APIA and he actually moved in with myself and my wife Christine and our two boys and he stayed with us,” McKinna said.

“He was a great player, one of the hardest, toughest defenders-come-midfield players running about the league.

“He had a great career and he played three games with the Socceroos, which he thoroughly deserved because I actually thought he deserved more — but obviously I wasn’t the coach.

“He was actually one of the first players to go to Malaysia, he went over there I think in 1993 and played 244 games with Johor in the Malaysian league and then he played in Singapore.

“Then he got into coaching and he was actually the Maldives team coach up until a few months ago.

“So it’s such a shame that somebody at a young age — he was only 52 … it’s just sad that somebody so young dies.”

Darren Stewart with a copy of Lawrie McKinna's book. Source: Supplied

McKinna said Stewart’s family had appreciated the support from the football community, including current and former players.

The Newcastle Jets released a statement regarding Stewart’s passing on Friday afternoon.

“The Newcastle Jets are saddened to hear of the passing of former Newcastle Breaker and Socceroo, Darren Stewart,” the Jets said in the statement.

“On behalf of the footballing community, the club would like to pass on its condolences to Darren’s family during this difficult time.”

The circumstances around Stewart’s death are unclear but are not believed to be suspicious.

Stewart is survived by his son and daughter.

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