John Ruddy has a fantastic summer ahead – but in terms of club football, his only wish for next season is Norwich City maintaining their renowned team spirit.

John Ruddy has a fantastic summer ahead – but in terms of club football, his only wish for next season is Norwich City maintaining their renowned team spirit.

The Canaries goalkeeper is set for a memorable 'break', with his wedding to fianc�e Laura at the start of next month and his seat booked on England's plane to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine, as back-up to Robert Green and number one Joe Hart.

So from Ruddy's point of view, pre-season for the 2012-13 Premier League campaign will probably arrive very quickly – but the stopper already knows the one thing he wants to see when he returns.

'I just think as long as we have got the same spirit that's in the squad at the moment, then we can replicate what we have done this year and that's what we will aim to do,' said Ruddy, speaking after the season's climax with Aston Villa.

'I know everyone to a man will make sure they come back stronger and fitter than last season, and make sure we are ready to go again.'

Ruddy added: 'The main aim is to stay in the league. If we do that by doing exactly what we've done this year, then so be it.

'It doesn't matter. Everyone wants improvement every year, but when you are in this league it's just about staying in it.

'So that's the aim. We will go on holiday now, enjoy ourselves and have a nice relaxing time and a well deserved break. And then we come back in pre-season and go again. That's all we can do.'

The Norwich keeper admitted it felt a long time since the Canaries embarked on their top-flight return at Wigan in August – the start of a demanding and successful learning curve for Paul Lambert's men, in one of the world's most ruthless leagues.

But Ruddy is also clear which moment was key to ensuring City will get another taste of the Premier League limelight next term.

'That does feel a long time ago, Wigan,' said England's number three keeper. 'I was thinking the other day, from the start of the season to Christmas went quite quick and then from Christmas to the end of the season seemed to have dragged a little bit – I say dragged, it's the wrong word to use because I have enjoyed every minute.

'It has taken its time to come around, but now the end is here we can enjoy what we have done this season.'

Ruddy added: 'I thought the Easter weekend as a collective was a big, big moment for us. Having a massive game against Everton here when they were on a good run of form and picking up a good point to take us to the 40-point mark.

'And then two days later, going down to White Hart Lane and getting a fantastic three points. I think that really solidified our place in the league for next season and summed up our season on those two performances.

'We battled well against Everton and then we probably played Tottenham off the park. I think that probably sums up what we're about as a team, to go from one extreme to the other.'

There is still one duty for the Norwich City squad to perform before the summer – veteran left-back Adam Drury's testimonial clash with Celtic, at Carrow Road on Tuesday (7.45pm).

And Ruddy admitted Drury won't be given too much of a hard time for extending the players' season by nine days.

'We'll let him off that,' smiled Ruddy. 'A few of the lads might go away for a few days, but it's a great cause for Adam. He deserves it.

'Certainly in the two years I have been here he has been exceptional and he is one of the best defenders, if not the best defender, I have ever played with.

'So the least people can do is turn out for his game, and if you haven't got a ticket then go buy one.'