Michael McGovern is on his way to Norwich City.
Norwich City have won the race for Michael McGovern’s signature after a stellar showing at Euro 2016.
The Enniskillen man joins the Canaries on a free transfer for a three-year deal at Carrow Road, having left Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical earlier this summer.
McGovern’s arrival sees him reunite with Alex Neil, the City boss having previously signed the stopper in 2014 while player-manager of Accies.
Southampton, Burnley, Leeds, Bristol City, Swansea, Sunderland were all interested in the 32-year-old net-minder, but his previous relationship with Neil helped swing the deal.
“Norwich were the best for me because I know the manager and it’s a good championship club with a good chance of going back up,” said McGovern.
“It ticks a lot boxes, it’s a really good move and I’m looking forward to it. We’ll have to move down [from Scotland] obviously, but we have a player liaison officer helping with that.”
Despite his heroics in France he knows he will have to prove himself all over again if he’s to win the hearts of the Norwich faithful.
“You’re never guaranteed a place, but the manager knows what I’m about so we’ll see what happens. I’d like to think there’ll be opportunities there, but I know I’m not going to walk into it.”
Speaking to the official Norwich website McGovern told canaries.co.uk, “I’m aiming to get into the team, but I know I’m up against some top-class goalkeepers. It’s going to be intense competition, although it’s a challenge I’ll relish.
“I want to play but also I want to help the younger players coming through as much as I can. That’s something I’ve looked to do at my previous clubs, and I’ll look to lend my experience wherever possible.”
McGovern spent two seasons at Hamilton and has played all his career in Scotland, but the keeper excelled in the North’s run to the last 16 of Euro 2016, catching the eye with a string of superb saves against Germany.
Speaking about signing McGovern, Neil told canaries.co.uk, “Michael is a player that I’ve worked with before, so I know all about his qualities and his character.
“He’s a fantastic professional, and he showed he’s capable of playing at the top level with his performances for Northern Ireland at the Euros. He will come in and offer great competition to our current goalkeepers.”