Max Aarons can’t wait to get back into Championship action for Norwich City at Middlesbrough on Saturday night, as the Canaries return to their push for promotion.

The right-back made three appearances for the England Under-19s during the international break and was also nominated for the EFL Young Player of the Season award.

“I’m massively pleased to be back,” said the 19-year-old. “We have Middlesbrough coming up on Saturday (5.30pm) and then seven games after that so they’re going to be coming thick and fast. We have to be ready to achieve our goal of promotion.

“All we can do as players is focus on ourselves and try and remain as calm as we have all season. There is no need to get all uptight and nervous about the situation. It’s important to play the way we have been playing all season and hopefully it will get us over the line.

“We’ve just got to pick up where we left off before the international break and hopefully that will get us the win.”

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The televised clash arrives with City sitting four points clear of Sheffield United at the top of the table, although the Blades host Bristol City and third-placed Leeds entertain Millwall in 3pm kick-offs ahead of the Riverside encounter.

There is added motivation for Aarons though, after the England U19s missed out on qualification for this summer’s U19 European Championship.

“It’s always an honour to play internationally and it was a great experience again,” he continued. “Obviously, it was disappointing to not qualify for the Euros but it was another good experience.

“I still think we’re expected to qualify regardless of who is in our group – at the end of the day, we are England. That’s why it was so disappointing not to qualify but it’s important we all just turn our focus to what’s happening at our clubs now.

“I’m loving it (with England), it’s brilliant. The setup is really good and it’s good to get a fresh feeling and go somewhere new and see new faces. It’s always good and I learn a lot when I’m there.”

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The youngster’s superb breakthrough season continued with recognition ahead of the EFL Awards, not only being nominated for the Young Player of the Season but also being named in the Championship Team of the Season alongside Jamal Lewis and Teemu Pukki.

“It’s a massive honour to be in that and get nominated for Young Player of the Season,” he continued, speaking to City’s official website. “It’s an amazing feeling and I’m very proud.

“I always believed in myself but I never imagined it would go as well as it has done. It’s been an amazing season but as I said, as much as you believe in yourself you can’t really paint the picture until it all actually happens.

“It’s been a quick turnaround from last year but it’s been really good and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

• Click here to cast your vote for the Young Player of the Season award