Norwich City goalkeeper Michael McGovern is hoping to return to action for the business end of the season after being ruled out for three months with a torn hamstring tendon.

The injury came at an unfortunate time for the Enniskillen man who was enjoying a good spell between the posts for the Championship leaders due to number one Tim Krul having picked up an injury.

“It was very disappointing, but in the grand scheme of things I have never had a longer-term injury in my whole career.

“It is just one of those things; speaking to the specialist, he thinks there shouldn’t be any complications coming back, which is pleasing, and I’m hoping to get back for the tail end of the season.

“From the team’s perspective, it was great that Tim was able to get back [from his injury] and play, so it was a seamless transition,” said McGovern.

Fine performances

McGovern came into the side when Krul sustained his knock, and he produced some fine performances as the Canaries stayed top of the table.

“When I came into the team we were top of the league, and when I picked up my injury we were still top.

“That was my aim at the start and, thankfully, I was able to contribute to a few wins and a few draws,” said the Northern Ireland international, who enjoyed the run of games.

“It was brilliant because I had a proper run in the team, and it was the best run I have had in the team since my first season at the club.

“It was good to have it and, ultimately, the most important thing was that I was able to help the boys win games and stay on top of the league – that was the biggest thing,” he added.

Fully prepared

McGovern says that the key as a number two is to be fully prepared for when you are called upon.

“It is hard to come in when you haven’t played for a while, but I feel that I have always prepared really hard for games, and I’ve always tried to be in the best possible condition, both mentally and physically, so that when I am given the opportunity I can take it.

“You always have to be ready when you are the number two, and you have got to come in and try and do well for yourself and of course to help the team.

“I perform to the best of my abilities every day at training and the manager and players see that and see what I am capable of.

“Doing well in training, though, is one thing – to then do it on a matchday and showcase it to everybody else is great, because nobody sees what you do in training,” he said.

Indeed, the former Enniskillen Town man’s performances drew strong praise from Norwich Manager Daniel Farke, among others, and McGovern is just pleased to be able to show the Norwich fans the level he can produce.

“Since I have come into the team I’ve had some nice messages and people I’ve met have been very complimentary towards me, and it is nice because in my first season when I got a run of games, I don’t think the Norwich fans saw the best of me, for various reasons.

“That season was tough for the team and for me, personally, so it is nice for them to see a glimpse of what I’m capable of in the last ten games,” he commented.

And he stresses that the aim for the club is to continue their push for a return to the Premier League, although he knows that there is a long way to go yet to achieve that goal.

“Everybody benefits from the club being successful and, being in the Premier League, everybody at the club wants that.

“We are halfway through the season now and we are top of the league, but we know that there is a lot of work still to be done.

“But, we are in a fantastic position and we have a really good team and I’m confident that we can get the job done,” he said.