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McGovern so relieved he signed new City contract after making his Premier League debut
Michael McGovern punches clear under pressure during City's defeat at Crystal Palace. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Signing a new contract has turned out to be a fine decision for Michael McGovern, despite knowing he would be third choice at Norwich City this season.
The experienced goalkeeper has patiently provided cover and support for Angus Gunn and Tim Krul during Daniel Farke's first two seasons in charge, yet decided to sign a new two-year deal in April.
With the loan signing of Ralf Fahrmann from Schalke it looked even less likely that McGovern would play - but on Saturday the 35-year-old made his Premier League debut.
With Krul already out injured, Fahrmann succumbed to the groin problem which had made him a doubt ahead of the 2-0 loss at Crystal Palace, with the Northern Ireland international coming on in the 22nd minute.
"The chance of the Premier League doesn't come around very often, especially when you're 34, I had to take it," McGovern explained of the deal he signed earlier this year. "I work hard every day in training so that I'm ready to take my chances, and that's happened."
He added: "For myself personally it's been good but I don't want to see it happening with injuries. Tim and Ralf are brilliant guys, great goalkeepers and I'm disappointed for them."
MORE: Keeper frustrated that City couldn't spark a fightback at Palace
The former Celtic keeper was signed from Hamilton on a free transfer by his old Accies manager Alex Neil in the summer of 2016 but hadn't played a league game since a 3-0 Championship loss at Huddersfield in April 2017.
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"Tim was excellent for us last year, he's a great person and a great keeper," McGovern said of Krul.
"He's had an unbelievable career and we've also got Ralf, who has got bags of experience, I don't think people realise how many games he has played in European football - I think it's 40 games in Europe.
"He's a top keeper as well and, in fairness, they're both great lads so that makes things easier every day."
Farke had praised the professionalism of McGovern ahead of the defeat at Palace, insisting he was happy to use the veteran if required.
The keeper added: "I try my best every day, I work hard, try to be good about the place and that's not just as an athlete but as a personality to go with things."
