The latest starlet to emerge off the Norwich City goalkeeper conveyor belt has put pen to paper on his first professional contract – one which ties him to the club until June 2012.
Jed Steer, who was linked with Premier League giants Chelsea in the summer, has not appeared in the first team squad for a competitive match as yet.
But the 17-year-old, along with fellow Academy product Declan Rudd, is being tipped for big things.
And having already been capped at England youth team level, Steer is set to follow in the footsteps of fellow City trainees Andy Marshall and Robert Green in making a big splash in the game.
His new boss was certainly looking forward to overseeing his progression, despite having yet to see him in action due to a thumb injury.
“Unfortunately I’ve not been able to see Jed play yet due to his injury but everybody tells me he’s a lad with massive potential and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action.
“Hopefully he will now go on to fulfil that potential with Norwich City and I’m obviously pleased to have got his contract sorted,” Paul Lambert told the club’s official website.
Having been eyed up as a potential star by many previous managers, it was Glenn Roeder who really used to bang the Steer drum when discussing his top youngsters.
“We have two unbelievable prospects in Declan Rudd and Jed Steer. This club seems to have a habit of producing top ‘keepers,” he said in January this year.
And the Norwich-born shot-stopper will be hoping that this latest contract boost will move him a step closer to achieving his Canary dream.
“This is great; it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. Ever since I joined the Academy, every year you are working towards the dream of a professional contract.
“So getting this on my 17th birthday is just fantastic. I’m now hoping for a good season in the youth team and then try and break into the reserves and play a few games there.
“And the longer-term aim is to go on and play first team football for Norwich City Football Club.”
Elsewhere, Ian Crook’s City reserves side fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Watford’s second string at Carrow Road last night.
It was a tale of two penalties as the Hornets succeeded where their hosts didn’t. The Canaries had a great chance to take the lead at the start of the second-half after Cody McDonald was fouled in the box.
But while Damon Lathrope’s spot-kick was well saved by Richard Lee, Liam Henderson didn’t make the same mistake on the hour mark after Michael Theoklitos brought him down.
There were positives for Lambert and Co though, with Paul McVeigh, Jamie Cureton, Tom Adeyemi and Cody McDonald all getting 90 minutes under their belt.
Summer signing Rhoys Wiggins also continued his rehabilitation with a 61-minute run out and the Canary coaching staff will be looking forward to having him back in the fold, with Adam Drury still the only recognised left-back in the squad.
Tom Haylett
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