JAMAL’S PROUD TO EARN PRAISE OF FANS
JAMAL Lewis has been Norwich’s breakthrough star this term, and the exciting young left-back couldn’t be prouder.
Having made his debut off the bench against Brentford in December, the 20-year-old has developed at such a rate that Michael O’Neill handed him his Northern Ireland debut in a 2-1 win over South Korea last month.
Lewis, who had racked up 22 Canaries appearances before yesterday’s clash with Preston, gets a kick out of thrilling Norwich fans and insists he takes all the pressure from his blossoming reputation in his stride.
“I’m super proud to represent Norwich,” said Luton-born Lewis, who scored his first senior goal against Chelsea in a thirdround FA Cup replay in January.
“Whenever they chant I’m one of their own, it makes me feel proud. Likewise, whenever I do something well, they cheer.
“I just love being a Norwich City player and just want to kick on with the club. I want to be part of it and hopefully push for bigger things to come in future.
“It’s gone very quickly, this second half of the season, and I’ve enjoyed playing with the lads, developing my game in the first-team environment, making some mistakes along the way.”
Starlet Lewis also credits his more experienced defensive colleagues, such as Switzerland international Timm Klose, 29, and Scotland’s Grant Hanley, 26, for helping him make the transition to senior football so quickly.
He added: “I’m only 20 and I’ve loved every minute of this season. I just appreciate that the boss (Daniel Farke), the club, the fans have all accepted me – and I just want to keep playing for them.
“Playing alongside all these experienced players who have played at a higher level really does help.”