Norwich City have rewarded teenage goalkeeper Declan Rudd with a new three-year deal at Carrow Road.
Canaries Manager Bryan Gunn believes the 18 year old has a big future in the game and Rudd has now set his sights on securing a place in the first-team.
The Norfolk-born shot-stopper turned professional last summer and played a significant role in City’s U18 squad reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season and clinch the runners-up place in their league but is yet to make his Canaries first-team debut.
The England U19 international has had just one taste of first-team experience after being named on the bench for the final game of the 2007/08 season against Sheffield Wednesday.
Gunn told the Club’s official website:
“This is a big season for Declan off the back of a tremendous campaign last year for the Academy and a few reserve appearances.
“He now has an opportunity to really make a name in the professional game and has the attributes and the capability of being a top goalkeeper. We have to nurture him the best way we can with his education and training.”
“He has been recognised at England level and is now playing above his age group and we are delighted to have signed him.”
Speaking to canaries.co.uk on his new contract Rudd said:
“I’m very proud and happy that I’ve got a new contract for the beginning of the season so I can kick on and hopefully get a place in the first team.”
“We had a good run in the FA Youth Cup and got into the quarter-finals, which has helped me a lot.”
“It has made me realise that the big occasions are not as scary as they might look, so it’s helped me with my confidence and I really enjoyed last season.”
Having returned from international duty with the England U19 squad at the beginning of the month, Declan feels it was a good experience despite not featuring.
“It was really good being called up for the age above, playing with players that have been playing regularly in the Championship and League One. The quality was good and it kept me on my toes over the end of season break to come back nice and sharp this season.”
