Norwich City academy product Remi Matthews has signed a new deal at Carrow Road, tying him down to the Canaries until at least the summer of 2019.
The 23-year-old’s new deal also includes an option in the club’s favour to extend his stay further.
“It’s nice to still be at the club and to sign a new contract at a club where I want to be,” said the Gorleston-born goalkeeper who is yet to make a senior appearance for his boyhood club.
“I’ve been here for a long time now so I’m delighted. The boss has seen something in me to give me a new deal and I’ve got to get my head down.
“I’ll keep working hard and keep going from there. That’s all I can do. I want to train hard and show that I am good enough if called upon to make the step up.”
Matthews featured during pre-season and has 28 professional appearances to his name, following loan spells at Burton Albion, Doncaster Rovers and Hamilton Academical since 2015.
“I am really happy with this news,” added City head coach Daniel Farke. “Remi is still young as a goalkeeper and has a lot of potential. He has faced a lot of competition this season but has a brilliant character and a great working attitude.
“In the last period he was improved week-to-week and when he continues with this attitude we will have a lot of joy with him in our future.”
Matthews has appeared on the City substitutes’ bench twice so far this season, coming in the Carabao Cup wins over Charlton and at Brentford.
Opportunities have been generally in short supply with Farke making the most of bringing in Angus Gunn on a season’s loan from Manchester City, while Northern Ireland international Michael McGovern has been the youngster’s regular back-up.
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However, it would seem a tall order for Norwich to extend Gunn’s stay beyond the current season while fellow senior goalkeeper Paul Jones is out of contract come the summer.
All of which means although Matthews may not see much action this season, there come be real value in him making an impression.
With Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed the only other loan player on City’s books,
City stalwarts Wes Hoolahan and Alex Tettey are the only players set to be out of contract come the summer – assuming no hidden options exist.
Summer signing Tom Trybull is also due out of contract, although sporting director Stuart Webber confirmed this week City do hold an option over their blossoming 24-year-old beyond the summer.
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
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