YOUNG City 'keeper Jed Steer has marked his 17th birthday by signing his first professional contract with the Canaries.

An England youth international, the highly-rated Norwich-born Academy product has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal as his progress towards first team contention continues.

Steer, currently on the injury list with a broken thumb, has already featured twice for the first team in pre-season friendlies against Raith Rovers and Airdrie United during the summer.

Delighted to see one of City's rising stars commit to the Club until June 2012, boss Paul Lambert said: "Unfortunately I've not been able to see Jed play yet due to his injury but everybody tells me he's a lad with massive potential and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action. Hopefully he will now go on to fulfil that potential with Norwich City and I'm obviously pleased to have got his contract sorted."

STEER IN ACTION: Young City 'keeper in pre-season
action

Jed Steer commented: "This is great, it's all I've ever wanted to do."

"Ever since I joined the Academy, every year you are working towards the dream of a professional contract. So getting this on my 17th birthday is just fantastic."

The young City stopper is now looking to regain fitness and enjoy a successful 2009-10 campaign.  

"I'm now hoping for a good season in the youth team and then try and break into the reserves and play a few games there.

"And the longer-term aim is to go on and play first team football for Norwich City Football Club."