NORWICH City Academy goalkeeper Caleb Ansen has signed his first professional contract with the club reports Norwich City FC.

“I’m very proud,” he said. “It’s obviously a proud moment for me, I’ve been at the club since I was 13 or 14 years old. To get a professional contract, it’s a proud moment for me and my family.

“I came from grassroots football, so Norwich are the first academy I’ve been a part of. It’s a great honour to play for the club, and the club have treated me beautifully.

“I used to play for my local team, Harlow Town, and I was scouted by Norwich when I was 13 or 14. And I’ve been at the club since then, got my scholarship when I was 15, and now I’ve signed my professional deal.

“I’m a very commanding goalkeeper, I like to make big saves, I’m very loud on the pitch. And obviously there’s some parts of my game which I can work on, which is very important too.

“I look up to Angus Gunn, as he came through the academy. He’s obviously an idol of mine. Tim Krul is someone I look up to as well, he’s had an iconic career and someone’s who has been a big member of the team.

“For the rest of the season, I’d love to break into the Under-21s side. Eventually, though, I’d love to play for the first-team and make a career in football here.”

Norwich City Head of Football Development Steve Weaver said: “We are delighted that Caleb has signed his first professional contact and we look forward to him pushing the under-21 goalkeepers. He has improved under the guidance of Greg Crane and Declan Rudd, with some excellent performances this season.”