Bryan Gunn admitted his son’s arrival in Norwich City’s first-team is something he hoped would always happen – but Angus knows he will have to fight to get game time.
The legendary Canaries goalkeeper will be eagerly awaiting his 21-year-old boy’s debut, after the young Gunn completed a season’s loan from Manchester City on Tuesday afternoon.
But with fellow Norfolk product Declan Rudd and Northern Ireland international Michael McGovern currently hoping to be involved at Carrow Road next season, Gunn’s arrival comes with no guarantees.
“It’s down to him to make his own stamp on the professional game and it’s great Norwich City are giving him that opportunity,” said Bryan – with Angus yet to make a senior professional appearance.
“There were other clubs that showed interest but he felt Norwich was the best option for him.
“There are no guarantees and he knows he has to compete for the number one shirt. Hopefully he can win that jersey because he’s looking forward to making his first team debut at Carrow Road.
“It’s something we hoped would happen one day and when it does happen, a lot of people who have supported him in the early part of his career will be very proud.”
MORE: It’s time for Angus Gunn to show what he’s got – and Norwich City will hopefully benefit
Angus Gunn was on City’s books until 2011, when he signed for Manchester City. Had he stayed with Norwich, he would have certainly been part of the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2013 that included the likes of Josh and Jacob Murphy, Carlton Morris and Toffolo.
All four will now be hoping to play alongside Gunn in City’s first-team next season.
“It’s fantastic. For him, it’s a great opportunity and for the family, it’s a proud moment. Angus came through the Academy here and for (various) reasons we decided to go to Manchester City,” added Bryan.
“But he’s had a great upbringing at Norwich City’s academy so he knows the area and he knows the people around the football club.
“He can’t wait to get started, meet the new staff and some of the players he knows from his days here before.”
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The comparisons between father and son are unlikely to be too far away during Angus’ City spell – however, dad believes son will shine in his own right.
“I think my last game was in January 1998, so it’s all about Angus now,” he added. “I don’t think he takes too much from me, although he is quite vocal.
“The modern goalkeeper plays out from the back, which is something he learned at Norwich City when he was younger. He’s taken that forward at Manchester City with the likes of Patrick Vieira and Pep Guardiola, so that’s his mantra.
“If that’s Daniel Farke’s way of playing, he’ll have a goalkeeper capable of doing that.
“Angus is a great size for a goalkeeper. A lot of people look at that now and being nearly 6ft 6in, he fills the goals and he should be able to dominate his penalty area.
“So there’s a bit of the old Gunn in him – but he’s got more hair than I have.”
• Follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey and Facebook @mbjourno
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