Renton future in the balance

David Cuffley

Striker Kris Renton will be given extra time to try to extend his Norwich City career, manager Glenn Roeder said today.

The 17-year-old Scot's two-year scholarship with the Canaries expires at the end of the season, but he has been sidelined since October by a double break to his left leg.

While two of City's second year scholars have been given professional contracts and five have been released - one of them, 17-year-old Tom Miller, securing a two-year deal with Glasgow Rangers - Roeder said he wanted more time to take a look at Renton when he regains fitness.

“I need to see him in pre season and then I will make a decision,” he said. “Because he's been out with a broken leg he will be able to come back in pre-season.”

Renton suffering a displaced fracture of his tibia and fibula in an FA Premier Academy League game away to Chelsea in October and underwent surgery the following day.

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

He was in good form at the start of this season, scoring five goals in seven Academy fixtures before his injury.

While second year scholars Damon Lathrope and Luke Daley have been awarded contracts, the decision to release Miller - along with Ross Kelly, Paul McLean, Mark O'Toole and Jordan Yong - was made after discussions between City coaches and Academy manager Ricky Martin, said Roeder.

“I want all our players to be able to make a career in the game. I don't want them to disappear. I don't have a problem dealing with senior players but I don't like telling young players we are letting them go. It's the worst job in football,” he said.

“Now Tom Miller has got a chance at Glasgow Rangers and we wish him good luck.”