Norwich have rewarded teenage goalkeeper Declan Rudd with a new three-year deal at Carrow Road.
Teenage goalkeeper sets sights on first team
Norwich have rewarded teenage goalkeeper Declan Rudd with a new three-year deal at Carrow Road.
The England Under-19 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.
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 first-team berth.
The Norfolk-born shot-stopper helped the Under 18s reach the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season and clinch the runners-up place in their league.
Nurture
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."
With David Marshall having left for Cardiff this summer and the future of Stuart Nelson still to be resolved, Rudd is eager to be firmly in the first-team reckoning.
He said: "I'm very proud and happy. 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."
