Norwich City's youngest ever first team player is ready to begin his long road to recovery following a horror leg-break six weeks ago. Striker Kris Renton, 17, suffered a displaced fracture of his tibia and fibula after 65 minutes of City Under-18s' match against Chelsea on October 6, and underwent surgery the following day.

Norwich City's youngest ever first team player is ready to begin his long road to recovery following a horror leg-break six weeks ago.

Striker Kris Renton, 17, suffered a displaced fracture of his tibia and fibula after 65 minutes of City Under-18s' match against Chelsea on October 6, and underwent surgery the following day.

It has been a tough period for the academy scholar, who has been resting at home in Scotland. Now he is back in Norfolk and ready to start the six months of rehabilitation that lie ahead.

“I'm really glad to be back,” said Renton. “I've been at home in Musselburgh resting and I was feeling down. I've been lying down watching telly. It was all I could do because I couldn't move at all.

“But then I could get out and walk about three week ago, and it was great to get a bit of fresh air. I've had a good rest, but now I'm back to get fit again. It's going to be hard for me, but I'm not really bothered about that.”

It was during the 2-1 victory at Leicester City last April that Renton broke the record as the Canaries' youngest player, at the age of 16 years and 276 days, beating Ryan Jarvis' previous mark by six days.

But despite Renton's historic achievement, this season has been hijacked by his serious injury.

“It has been a nightmare, but everyone's dealt with it pretty well,” Renton added, who isn't expected to return to competitive action until the start of next season.

“In hospital everyone was helpful. I've heard from the guy who put in the challenge, he spoke to me, and when I came back today the first team had all chipped in and bought me a Playstation 3, so it's good of them to do that.

“Hopefully I'll get back as soon as I can. I'm not going to rush back early, so I'll be patient until I'm ready to play again.”

Academy physio Rod Dyer will work with Renton on his rehabilitation over the coming months, starting with walking practice and weights to strengthen his injured side, alongside cardio vascular and upper body work.

Dyer said: “It's a very significant and severe injury, but he'll be back playing again. It's a tough period, but I expect Kris to knuckle down, work hard and he'll be fine.”

Renton was in good form at the start of this season, scoring five goals in seven academy fixtures before his injury, which still threatens his Carrow Road career.

The striker's two-year scholarship is due to expire in the summer, but with the Canaries having the option of extending it a year, academy manager Ricky Martin believes Renton still has every chance of becoming a professional footballer at Norwich.

“He was in form this season, the new manager hasn't seen him, so he may have to rely on my judgment,” said Martin.

“It is something we will discuss over the coming months, but for now my message to Kris is to concentrate on getting fit, and we'll always look after his long term needs.”

As Renton knows, the hard work starts now.

He added: “It's all about getting fitter and working hard. I don't know what will happen in the future, but hopefully I'll get the chance to show the club what I can do.”