The old adage goes that the hardest thing to achieve for youngsters that have broken into the first team is consistency.

No-one appears to have told that to Max Aarons, who has been one of the mainstays of the Canaries’ promotion charge, which continues against Sheffield Wednesday this evening.

From never having played a single moment of senior football, the Canaries’ academy product has been exceptional for Daniel Farke’s side, prompting several Premier League clubs to add him to their wanted lists.

Aarons has made 37 league starts this season and is generally regarded as one of the first names on the team-sheet – some achievement when you consider he is still in his teens.

“That was one of my aims, to just be as consistent as I can,” said the 19-year-old, who also has an impressive six goals to his name this season. “Obviously being a younger player and coming into this league and not really knowing what it’s about, I like to think I’ve dealt with the consistency really well and I’m really happy with how it’s going.”

Aarons’ talents have been recognised outside Norfolk as he was named the EFL Young Player of the Year earlier this month.

MORE: Last game at Villa declared a sell-outHe is also firmly ensconced in the England youth set-up having made seven appearances for the Under-19s and could be set for a busy summer although it’s not clear yet what age group that will be in.

“It’s been a long season, especially being my first season,” he added. “I will be tired and stuff like that. But international recognition is something you can’t turn down and I’d be honoured to get that.”

But Aarons knows there is business to take care of before turning his attention to England. All eyes will be on Sheffield United’s result against Nottingham Forest at lunchtime as defeat for the Blades would leave the door open for City to secure promotion with a win against Sheffield Wednesday.

It’s a scenario City could never have dreamed of at the start of the season, as Aarons acknowledges.

“I don’t think anyone expected us at the start of the season to be up there,” he said. “It just shows the quality that we have in the group and also the confidence that we have. We’re going into every game confident now and even after a draw (against Wigan), we will still be confident.

“We will come back and we will try to get three points on Friday.”