Newcastle United deal proved a masterstroke for Norwich City: View | OneFootball

When a Football League club signs a young player on loan from a Premier League side, there’s always a sense of intrigue as to how it will play out.

Can the player handle the step-up to regularly playing competitive football? Will they easily adapt to new surroundings despite their age? Do they have the mentality to cope with so much at stake?

These are just some of the questions that come into the thinking of the recruitment team before they make a decision on whether to bring a highly-rated youngster in. And, in the case of Fraser Forster at Norwich City, the answer to all three, and more, was an emphatic yes.

Fraser Forster’s time at Norwich City

The giant keeper had come through the ranks at Newcastle United, but it was always going to be difficult for him to break into the first-team at St. James’ Park.

Therefore, after two brief loan spells with Stockport County and Bristol Rovers, it was then decided that Forster would join Norwich for the 2009/10 campaign, and it was a call that worked out for all parties.

Firstly, it should be pointed out that Forster was joining a big club by League One standards, and there was a lot of pressure on the Canaries, who were in the third tier for the first time in 49 years.

As you would expect, the mood around the club was negative, and that wasn’t improved by the remarkable 7-1 opening day defeat to Colchester United, which was a real point in the club’s history.

Paul Lambert would arrive just weeks into the season, having masterminded that win for the U’s, and it was the start of a special journey for Norwich.

A few months into the season, the Scotsman saw the opportunity to bring Forster in on a short-term loan, and the stopper settled to life in League One with ease.

He impressed with his shot-stopping and his ability to command the box, with Forster making the number one position his own as the loan was extended in January for the rest of the season.

That was a Norwich side that was packed with talent, but Forster’s influence on the side was highlighted when he picked up the Players’ Player of the Year award, whilst he was second in the supporters' vote.

Fraser Forster benefits from Norwich City spell

At the time, it seemed a shame that Forster didn’t return to Carrow Road following Norwich’s promotion, but John Ruddy joined the Yellows in the summer, and he went on to establish himself as a modern day favourite, making almost 250 appearances.

Meanwhile, Forster went to Celtic, in a move that gave him more exposure and the chance to play in the Champions League, and he enjoyed some memorable times at Parkhead, notably when he starred in an incredible 2-1 success over Barcelona, with Lionel Messi praising the keeper.

After his time in Glasgow, Forster moved to Southampton, to fulfil his ambitions of playing in the Premier League, and he represented England six times between 2013 and 2016.

Now 36, Forster is the backup keeper at Tottenham, so he is still involved in the game, but he will no doubt reflect with pride on what he has achieved, and it’s worth remembering that the loan spell at Norwich was the catalyst for him to kick-on in his career.