Dan Barden has a bright future at Norwich City, and David Wagner is excited about unleashing his potential after a difficult few years for the Welshman. 

City's young keeper signed a new two-year contract at the club last week, having caught the eye in recent training sessions.

Barden has had to contend with health setbacks in recent years - first, a testicular cancer diagnosis in 2021 whilst on loan at Livingston that saw him step back from professional football. Then, an ACL injury whilst away at non-league Maidstone sidelined him for 10 months last year. 

Those came after four senior appearances for the Canaries in the title-winning 2020/21 campaign that earned him plenty of praise and saw his stock rise. 

Barden's performances and conduct during that run has remained with those inside Colney, who have been working hard to get the Welsh youth international back to full speed after everything he has endured. 

Having spent time in Arsenal's academy, Barden was known to sporting director Ben Knapper prior to his arrival at Norwich. 

The hope is now that Barden can continue his remarkable comeback with regular training and first-team football. A loan away from Norwich next season is likely, but Wagner confirmed further assessment will take place on the 23-year-old. 

"I know where you're coming from, from a human perspective when you speak about, Dan but the truth is I came into the building and quite early he got this serious ACL injury," Wagner said. 

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich City goalkeeping coach Paul Clements will be tasked with overseeing Dan Barden's development.Norwich City goalkeeping coach Paul Clements will be tasked with overseeing Dan Barden's development. (Image: PA Images)

"I had a chat a few weeks ago with Clem (Paul Clements, goalkeeping coach). When he is with us in training, there is a proper goalkeeper in him. I said this when I've spoken to him. 

"Unfortunately, he didn't get a lot of game time in the past. Clem will have a very good plan with him in place for 100pc. What this plan looks like, we will decide next season after the pre-season. 

"He has an interesting profile and is still young. If you consider how many months or years he missed already in this young age because of his circumstances, in terms of training and football, you only can imagine how good he could be. 

"This is exactly where Clem will work with him in the next couple of years."