Norwich City: David Wagner on Bali Mumba first-team role

Mumba has starred for Plymouth Argyle during a season-long spell this year, helping them to win the League One title ahead of City's rivals Ipswich Town. 

Their title win was secured with a 3-1 victory away to Port Vale and finished the campaign on 103 points. They will be facing City in the second tier next season, with the sides set to meet for the first time in any competition since 2009. 

Mumba, who was crowned as League One Player of the Year last month, has earned rave reviews and some Argyle fans even created a petition to keep the 21-year-old at Home Park next season. 

But the City head coach has different plans and insists the youngster will play a role in his squad next season as he seeks to reshape his group following a disappointing Championship campaign. 

"For 100 percent sure," Wagner said. "He's fully in my plans for the next season and will be with us even next week for testing.

"I said to him 'celebrate, have your parade and drink one beer maybe then be in next week for the tests'. I like that I see where he is at the minute.

"He will get a proper off-season programme as well, and then he will start the pre-season with us."

Mumba has recorded 16 goal contributions in 40 League One appearances this season, winning praise and becoming a popular figure among Plymouth's support in the process. 

Plymouth Argyle piped Ipswich Town to the League One title. (Image: PA Images)

Steven Schumacher has been impressed with his contribution and has deployed Mumba largely as a wing-back this season. But despite his impressive performances in that role, Wagner will look to deploy the ex-Sunderland trainee as a full back at City. 

"I plan with full backs," Wagner said at Friday's press call ahead of the final game of the Championship season.

"Even if I know that he played as a wingback, it's all about how quickly he can adapt to our ideas and then it's up to us to educate, help and support him so that he can adapt as soon as possible."