Michael McGovern stakes his claim as keeper competition heats up at Norwich City

Michael McGovern of Norwich City during the pre-season match against Coventry City at Carrow Road, Norwich. Picture by Richard Blaxall/Focus Images Ltd ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222

Michael McGovern hopes keeping a clean sheet on his debut will be just the start of his success at Norwich City – as he made his claim to become the club’s new number one.

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The summer signing helped City beat Coventry City 3-0 in a friendly at Carrow Road last night, with goals from Josh and Jacob Murphy adding to a sumptuous strike from Wes Hoolahan in the first half.

“My ambition is to keep playing,” McGovern said. “I’m happy to be here but I don’t just want to make up the numbers – but I understand the competition is very high.

“The two goalkeepers here, Declan (Rudd) and John (Ruddy), are excellent but it’s a great challenge for me and one I’m looking forward to. I’ll try and take every opportunity to give the manager some food for thought if I’m playing, and if I’m not, I’ll support the goalkeeper who is playing.”

The former Hamilton keeper had to earn his clean sheet though, tipping over a good shot from the edge of the area from Sky Blues trialist Fabien Robert.

“It was a big game for me and I enjoyed it, happy to get a clean sheet and a win,” the 32-year-old said. “It’s always a big one, the first one for your new club, I enjoyed the game and hopefully there’s more to come.

“I think my all-round game is decent and I’m comfortable with everything. I’d probably say my temperament is the thing that most people say about to me.

“Michael O’Neill (Northern Ireland manager) always says my temperament is excellent and I’m not fazed easily, I would that’s probably a good thing as a goalkeeper to stay calm and in control of the situations.”