It could be said that this season is of the 'make-or-break' variety for City starlet Robert Eagle. Handed a brand-new one-year deal at the back end of last season, the Leiston-born winger is determined to grab his chance with both hands.
But failing a flurry of first-team outings at the start of the new Championship campaign, he won't rule out a loan move to the lower leagues in an attempt to impress City boss Peter Grant.
It's all about games now for the 20-year old, he has impressed at youth and reserve team level for a couple of years and it's now time to make a real mark. Whether that will be at Carrow Road or elsewhere is yet to be seen, but it promises to be an exciting year for the midfielder.
He made his Canary debut last season and clocked up 12 appearances in league and cup ? although eight of those came from the substitute's bench.
But Eagle ? famous for his flowing blonde locks ? now feels the time is right to show Grant and Co what he is made of. Another season of warming the bench and reserve team football simply doesn't appeal.
“My aim for the season has got to be to push for a first-team place,” said Eagle.
“And although left-midfield is my preferred position, I'll play anywhere for the team. As long as I'm involved with the team then I don't mind playing anywhere.
“I'm 20 now. It's the kind of age where you want to be starting games and being involved in the first-team picture.
“I'm on a one-year contract at Norwich and I'd love to stay here and make a name for myself in the first-team but we'll see how the season goes.”
Pre-season ? although still in its embryonic stages – bodes fairly well for Eagle. He found the net in the 12-0 demolition of Lowestoft on Tuesday night, completing the whole 90 minutes, and also started in the disappointing 2-1 reverse at Exeter nearly a week ago.
The trip to Devon actually saw the City youth product take his place in the starting eleven at left-back. And even though it is clear it is not his favoured position, it's refreshing to hear he will play anywhere for the Canary cause; in goal if needs be.
“Playing left-back was a bit different but I got used to it as the game wore on. I've been playing there in training so I am slowly getting used to it but as I've said, I'll play anywhere for the team.
“I've played there a few times for the reserves but my preferred position is definitely left-midfield. It gives me the chance to get forward more and that's what I like to do.
“I think I've done quite well so far. I'm pleased with my own form, especially as I had to get used to a different position at Exeter and I think I'm doing alright. I've just got to work hard and make sure I stay involved.”
After the setback in Devon, City have hit the ground running this week ? albeit against lowly opposition ? and it may be a sign that the gruelling pre-season regime implemented by Sports Scientist Dave Carolan is starting to pay off.
Eagle feels that Exeter game possibly came a tad early for Grant's men, but now they are ready to show they are made of sterner stuff, starting with the two-game tour of Holland this weekend.
“We've been working really hard in pre-season. Exeter was difficult because they had more match practice than us ? I think they had played three games, whereas we just went straight into it.
“But our fitness levels are improving all the time and the trip to Holland will be a great chance to get some more games in.”
And as for that possible loan move?
With Grant stating he is reluctant to let his promising young guns rot in the reserves, Eagle could come into the radar of a League One club looking for a midfielder with a sweet left foot.
That is of course, if he is not making a name for himself in Norfolk on a weekly basis.
“My priority is to do well for Norwich and I'd love to get in the first-team here on a regular basis,” added Eagle.
“But If I'm not involved that much, not even travelling with the squad or I'm just getting ten minutes here or there then I would like to go out on loan somewhere just to get some games under my belt. I think that is really important for me at this stage of my career.”
Tom Haylett
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