Shropshire Star

Will Norris thrilled with Wolves experience so far

Going from playing 55 games in one season to possibly a handful in the next would be seen as a negative by many.

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But new Wolves goalkeeper Will Norris is only seeing the positives in his opening weeks at the club.

The 24-year-old sealed his big move from League Two side Cambridge United last month and featured extensively during pre-season for his new team.

As expected he's started the league campaign on the bench behind John Ruddy but is expected to feature at St Mary's tonight as Wolves take on Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Norris, more than most, will be hoping for an extended run in the competition to increase the likelihood of more game time.

But whether he's playing or not Norris says all the experience he's gaining is invaluable.

"It’s been fantastic for me to be in and amongst it," he said of the past few weeks.

"It’s been a change of pace – I played 55 games last year and I’ll be really lucky to get anywhere near that this season.

"Obviously that isn’t realistic for me at this moment in time but it’s a step in the right direction.

"When Cambridge made the step up to League Two I spent that season on the bench, assessed the level while not actually being involved and that was the best thing for me.

"When I did get my chance I knew what the level was about and had a year’s experience of watching it.

"That’s what I’ve got to take from this at the moment. And if I do get called upon I’m bang on it and 100 per cent.

"You’ve got to be as professional as possible, improve myself day in day out.

"Training with the boys I’m slowly making the step up and seeing how Championship football is played."

Like Norris, Ruddy has a Cambridge background having started his career with the U's.

He believes training with the 30-year-old will only improve his goalkeeping.

"John’s a fantastic goalkeeper – he doesn’t need me to tell him that!" Norris said.

"He’s proven at this level and at a higher level and has played for England.

"Worst case scenario I’ve learned from him on the training pitch, so it’s a win-win situation.

"He’s great to learn from, a great bloke and easy to get on with.

"He’s only going to improve me as a goalkeeper."

Norris made his debut in the Yeovil game and has 'itchy feet' for more games, hopefully starting tonight against Premier League opposition.

Southampton are sure to make numerous changes but Norris knows that whatever team they field will be full of quality.

"It was nice to get out there and experience Molineux as a Wolves player," he added.

"I’ve got itchy feet to play now and the Yeovil game was a perfect opportunity for me to get 90 minutes. Hopefully I can get in there for Wednesday night if the manager picks me."

"For me it’s about preparing for every game as if I’m playing and train as hard as I can.

"I’d really like to play in the cup games but at the end of the day it’s the manager’s decision."

"It’s a fantastic opportunity if I can get 90 minutes at a Premier League ground.

"They’ll have enough in the squad for two teams to play in the Premier League.

"It’ll be a good test and our style of football won’t change. We’ll prepare right and be ready for what they put out.

"We have to approach every game with no fear. If we go into it thinking this’ll be a walk in the park then that’s where you come unstuck.

"We prepare for every game like it’s a must-win.

"If I play I want as many cup games as possible so a good run would be good for us.

"Every time you pull on the shirt is an opportunity to impress and do yourself justice.

"That’s the way the whole squad look at it, to do well for themselves and the badge."