Michael McGovern insists the best is yet to come at Norwich City
Michael McGovern goes through his paces with Norwich City goalkeeper coach Dean Kiely. Picture by Richard Blaxall/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Richard Blaxall/Focus Images Ltd
Michael McGovern revealed he owes a huge debt to Alex Neil and has promised to repay him with the best years of his career at Norwich City.
The Northern Ireland international followed Neil south from Hamilton this summer on a free transfer after his Euro 2016 exploits.
McGovern is pushing John Ruddy and Declan Rudd for the number one spot at Carrow Road but the 32-year-old is confident he can handle the step up.
'Norwich is a big club with ambitions of getting back to the Premier League. It's a challenge to get in the team but it's one that I am really looking forward to,' he said. 'I'm 32 now but I'd say the next five seasons could be the peak years of my career.
'I have a three-year contract. I want to do well and play at the highest level I can for as long as possible. It's a fresh start for me at a good level. In Scotland, you get used to playing the same teams three or four times a season, so it's something new.
'A lot of players in the Scottish leagues want to come down to England and it did appeal to me. It's a great move for the family and hopefully I can help the club get back to the Premier League.'
McGovern excelled under Neil at Accies after the City boss guided Hamilton to the Scottish Premiership.
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'I've got so much to thank Hamilton for. They took a chance on me and I will be forever grateful to them for that,' he told the Scottish Sun. 'Ronnie MacDonald (chief executive) and the gaffer, Alex Neil, were brilliant for me.
'People talk about Hamilton being a club where young players can flourish but look at what they did for me. Ronnie brought me in and gave me an opportunity to perform at a higher level when nobody else did. I just need to keep at it now and keep working even harder to continue to progress.
'In the last few seasons, I have progressed every year and played regularly. Hopefully I can keep doing that at Norwich and establish myself at the club.'
