Young goalkeeper Joe Rose has moved a step closer to his dream of playing for Norwich City, after signing a long-term contract with his boyhood club.

The 18-year-old is on loan at Bury Town and has made 11 appearances so far this season, helping the Suffolk side to reach the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, where fellow City academy keeper Daniel Barden was on loan last season.

Bury’s season in Isthmian League Division One North, at step four of non-league, has been suspended as England heads into lockdown in November due to Covid-19 - but Rose has had the boost of signing a fresh deal until 2023, with the option for a further year.

“It’s a great feeling,” the youngster said. “I’ve been a fan of the club since a young age, it’s a dream come true. I didn’t expect it a couple of years ago, playing local football. What else can I say other than it’s a dream come true.

“I used to be a season ticket holder here with my dad, we used to watch every game. I always looked at this pitch (at Carrow Road) and hoped one day I’d be able to play on it.”

Rose made 11 appearances at under-18 level last season, as well as three at under-23 level, prior to the academy campaign being concluded in March.

He has kept six clean sheets in his 11 appearances for Bury so far this season but saw the FA Cup dream come to an end recently with a 2-1 defeat at Banbury United.

“It’s been a really good experience, there’s nothing like men’s football,” he continued, speaking to City’s official website. “There’s people’s jobs on the line at the end of the day, if you don’t get the three points then they’re at risk. Academy football is more development, so there’s not as much risk.”

Rose’s contract was due to expire at the end of this season, although there was the option for a further year. Now he has the security of a long-term deal though and thanks the City academy coaches for helping him to develop.

“They have helped me massively,” he added. “When I first came in, I was struggling quite a lot in terms of how to play, it was definitely different to what I was used to, I feel like I’ve adapted really well.”