Ex-Norwich City stalwart John Ruddy is still going strong after lifting Birmingham City’s players’ player-of-the-year.

Ruddy kept 14 clean sheets to ensure the Blues’ Championship survival, and earn a new one year deal, after his free transfer from Wolves last summer.

The 36-year-old clocked up 500 career appearances in the process following a bit-part role in recent years across the West Midlands.

“This was the first season in a long while where I have played consistently so to come away with an award voted for by my fellow players means so much. It is very special,” he said. “That was the key to coming to the club in the first place, to get more game time.

"I haven’t played anywhere near as much as I would like at Wolves. For different reasons. That was out of my control but it was very important I came into a club where I got games. I was thankful Birmingham gave me that opportunity and to win this award tops it off.

“It is well known within football that it is the most prestigious award to win in your club. You spend nearly every day with these people and you get to build some close relationships on and off the pitch and you get to know them as individuals. I am thankful and grateful they have appreciated my performances.”

Ruddy was on the losing side in his latest Carrow Road return, in February’s 3-1 Championship defeat lit up by Marcelino Nunez’s wonder strike.

Some of his former Canaries’ team mates like Wes Hoolahan and Grant Holt have retired, while Russell Martin is being touted as Southampton’s new head coach.

But the former England international believes he can still cut it in the second tier, where he was part of two promotion-winning sides during his seven-year City stint.

“This is a good club to be part of. I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said, speaking to the Blues’ official youtube channel. “I felt very comfortable in this environment straight away. Great bunch of lads. Great bunch of staff.

"We were all pushing for the same goal and it was easy to adapt to that and to get settled. I spent a lot of time without playing so to get that bug back is a major factor as well.”