Goalkeeper Archie hungry for 'Mair' top-team action
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YOUNG goalkeeper Archie Mair says he did not feel the pressure as an injury crisis saw him fast-track his way into Premier League
football.
The Turriff-bred shotstopper, who signed a long-term professional contract with Norwich City in the summer, found himself thrust into the
top team quicker than he expected after being named on the bench in the 5-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Many players may have been overawed by such a scenario, but Mair insisted he was well prepared.
“I trained with the first team for a few days the week before and did quite well,” he said.
“Ralf Fahrmann got injured in the game against Crystal Palace so I was training with them the full week in the build-up to the Aston
Villa game.
“I had an idea that there could be a chance I was going to be on the bench, so I had to train quite well.
“On the Wednesday before the game, I was told I was in the pre-match meeting and I knew then I’d be in the squad.
“There wasn’t really much nerves if I’m being honest.
“The manager has been really good with me whenever I’ve been up with the first team. He gives you confidence and makes sure you
feel included.
“Kenny McLean is obviously there and also Grant Hanley from Scotland.
They’ve both been good with me, as have the whole team, but it’s good to see a familiar face when you’re thrown in and tested.
“There wasn’t really time for me to be behind the rest of them and hold them back in training.
“They are playing in the biggest league in the world and every little detail counts – that’s what you see when you’re in around real professionals with the highest standards.”
The Scotland youth international came through the ranks at Aberdeen before joining the Canaries under-23 squad, and says the experience of being in a Premier League dressing room has made him eager to eventually make his big break.
“Little things like this just fuel your hunger to want more,” he said.
“I’ve managed to get myself into a great environment for my development and I still have a long way to go to get to the top, but I’m definitely in the right place to do that.
“You need to take every little opportunity you get to impress and use all the resources we are given to become a Premier League
footballer.
“I’ve had a sniff of what it is like now and I know I can get there, but there’s still a long way to go.”
