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City starlet still pinching himself at Premier League rise
Jamal Lewis is counting the days until he plays in the Premier League for Norwich City Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Jamal Lewis admits Norwich City’s promotion success will only sink in when he steps on the pitch as a Premier League player.
The Northern Ireland international was a key figure in the Canaries' Championship title triumph in his first full season as a professional.
Lewis has not looked back since a stunning breakthrough at Carrow Road, and is now first choice for club and country at the age of just 21.
"It hasn't sunk in yet. I think it will finally sink in when I am playing my first game at whatever ground and I hear that whistle and we can get going in the Premier League," he said. "That will be a really proud moment.
"I just want pre-season to go quickly and we can get cracking.
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"It was amazing for me. A season I will never forget. To be part of a team that won promotion to the Premier League. That is not something which happens every day. I am really grateful to be part of this.
"It is going to be a hard season to top but hopefully we can do that next season.
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"We didn't have the best start but we grew in confidence with each positive result. In the mid to later part of the season we knew what we were about, we knew the position we were in and we just wanted to bring it home.
"A progressive season for me as an individual and collectively as the team."
Lewis' consistent displays saw him named in the Championship team of the year.
The cultured left-back has already shown he can handle the big stage with a goalscoring impact against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last year shortly after his league debut.
"We have played Chelsea and Bournemouth in the cups so I have had a bit of a taste of it but to do it week in, week out is going to be special," he said, speaking to the official Northern Ireland podcast.
"When I first made my debut for Norwich and then Northern Ireland it was definitely moving at 100mph.
"That first six months I tried to take it all in my stride. This past season I felt the nerves had gone and I said to myself I wanted to put my stamp on games and show people what I can do.
"To start the Euros well and then get promotion with Norwich means it has been a success.
"I just want to keep moving forward and I won't be complaining if my career keeps moving at this pace."
