Mark Armstrong Paul Lambert has predicted a big future at Norwich City for John Ruddy after the goalkeeper starred in the Canaries' goalless draw at Stevenage last night.

Mark Armstrong

Paul Lambert has predicted a big future at Norwich City for John Ruddy after the goalkeeper starred in the Canaries' goalless draw at Stevenage last night.

Ruddy made an excellent second-half penalty save to deny the Hertfordshire side a surprise win and Lambert is delighted with how the former Everton man is going about filling Fraser Forster's shoes.

“In the three games he has played so far he has not let a goal in,” said Lambert. “He is a terrific goalkeeper, there's no doubt and only 23 years old. I'm delighted I've got him.

“Fraser was absolutely terrific for us but certain things dictate why that wasn't going to happen.

“John is here and I'm delighted with the way he has been playing.

“He will be a big goalkeeper for us next season that's for sure.”

Lambert was pleased with the workout his side were given by the Conference champions, although he conceded there is plenty of work to be done before the season kicks off against Watford at Carrow Road.

“It was a really good workout for the boys - they are a good side that passed the ball about well and it was a good test for us.

“I'm pleased with where we are but there's still a lot of work to be done. It's very hard for the players because they are training really hard and when it comes to game time it can take its toll.

“But I've got in my mind roughly what my side is going to be.”

It was the first chance Norwich fans had to see new signing Simeon Jackson in action and the former Gillingham man, who was Lambert's number one target this summer, looked lively during the opening 45 minutes.

Lambert believes when he has caught up with the rest of the City squad fitness-wise, City will have quite a player.

“He played 30 minutes on Saturday but I thought he looked sharp again tonight,” said Lambert.

“You've got to remember that he is behind the other lads in terms of training.

“But I've got no doubts from what I've seen so far that he will score a lot of goals for this club.

“I'm delighted with how sharp he looks. You can see from the positions that he gets in that he will score goals.”