Stefan Scougall says he wants to play his part in filling the creative void left by Jamie Devitt at Carlisle United.

Midfielder Scougall today signed a new one-year deal at Brunton Park after several weeks of negotiations.

The Scot says that, despite it taking some time to clinch a deal, he always wanted to return to the Blues after his 15-game spell last season.

And the 26-year-old says he will take responsibility on his shoulders after the departure of fellow schemer Devitt.

“Dev was unbelievable last season and showed that with his goals, assists and general play,” Scougall said.

“It will be up to me and others to come to the table and hopefully provide more goals and assists to try and fill that void.”

Scougall admitted it was a frustrating wait over the summer while his agent and the Blues tried to thrash out a new contract.

The ex-Sheffield United man had interest from other clubs but said he was keen to remain at Brunton Park because of the influence of manager Steven Pressley.

Scougall said: “It’s taken a lot longer than I thought but I’m delighted it’s done and I can’t wait to get back for training next week.

“There was a little bit of doubt in terms of, ‘Is this contract ever gonna get done?’ but we got there.

“You get a wee bit frustrated but in football nothing is ever straightforward.

“It was just a case of my agent trying to get the best deal possible for me, and ironing out the wee fine print.

“There was interest but deep down I wanted to get this one done. I told my agent way back when they offered the contract that Carlisle’s the place I want to be.”

Scougall accepts he only showed “glimpses” of his ability in the second half of last season, after he joined United from St Johnstone.

That came after a spell when Scougall had been starved of first-team football, and he feels a full pre-season with United will help him make a fuller impact.

He said: “Hopefully there is a lot more to come from me, but that comes with fitness and playing games, which previously I hadn’t done consistently for a good year, having had a bad injury and then been out of favour.

“When I came in [last season] I was nowhere near the fitness I should have been in terms of playing games.

“I don’t think I showed [my full capabilities] enough although I did in glimpses last season. I showed it for maybe 45-60 minutes but the end goal is for 90 minutes, and a good pre-season under my belt will get me as fit as I can be.

“I’ve heard stories that the gaffer’s pre-seasons are tough, but it should stand me in good stead and I hope it will help make sure I can make an impact.”

Scougall believes Pressley’s tactical approach should benefit him.

“It’s the way he plays, the high-intensity, attacking play he wants – it suits me to a t,” he said.

“He gives you a lot of confidence to go on the pitch and believe in yourself to lpay that way.

“The gaffer was a big factor when I signed last season. He has a lot of faith and trust in me and I’m hoping I can repay that with good performances on the pitch.

“I’m 26 now and the next year or two is a big part of my career – I hope the best part. Fingers crossed all goes well.”