AFTER figuring in three of City's pre-season matches so far without conceding a goal Canaries 'keeper John Ruddy says he's enjoying life at his new club.
Ruddy, signed from Premier League Everton earlier in the month pulled off a fine penalty save in the latest friendly against Stevenage as Paul Lambert's City continue their build-up to the start of the 2010-11 npower Championship campaign.
Speaking after the goalless draw away to Football League newcomers Stevenage, the 23-year-old told First News the squad has made good progress so far.
"It's a good start, but you can't take too much from pre-season games I don't think. It's more about getting to the levels you want to be at, and at the minute we're doing well."
The rapport between goalkeeper and defenders is always a crucial one and Ruddy has enjoyed playing behind City's rearguard in the games to date.
"I was quite lucky, I had a full week working with them before the first game at Dereham and then in Germany I had a full week as well, so it was good to get to know the lads and I feel very comfortable with them in front of me, and I hope they feel the same about myself behind them."
In terms of game-time Ruddy followed up an hour on the pitch against SV Bergisch Gladbach 09 on Saturday, with another 60 minutes at the Lamex Stadium on Tuesday night.
"I played 60 minutes on Saturday as well," he said. "And as I said it's all about building yourself up and getting back in the swing of things. The games come thick and fast now, we only have four games left before it starts for real so that's what we're focussing on."
On his penalty save against Boro's Scott Laird, he commented: "I sort of had an idea where he was going to go, but I went a little bit early so if he'd gone the other way I'd have looked a little bit stupid. But it's just one of those things, it pays off to go early. I was pleased to make the save."
Ruddy face healthy competition from Declan Rudd - currently away on England Under-19 duty - and another England youth international in the shape of Jed Steer, who himself made some eye-catching saves after replacing the former Everton man on the hour.
"Jed upstaged me a little bit I think! But he's a fantastic young goalkeeper. I've only been here a couple of weeks but already I can see how much he's going to be a top keeper.
"When he came on, that little half an hour was great for him. He'll get more game-time in the next games coming up, so that's going to put him in a great mindset to be involved in the first team.
"Dec's the same. I think they're 17 and 19 and they've got great futures ahead of them. If they keep themselves on the right path and keep doing the right things they're going to be fantastic goalkeepers. So it's up to me to try to help them if I can but more so to concentrate on my own game so I don't get caught.
"Because as you see tonight, Jed comes on and pulls off a couple of great saves, so I've got to keep on top of my game week in, week out, so it's only good for the Club."
Ruddy will hope to be involved as City step-up a gear in their next two high-profile friendlies against Premier League Newcastle United (Saturday, July 24, 3pm) and his former club Everton on Saturday, July 31 (3pm).
It's an early opportunity for Ruddy to test himself against David Moyes' side after his switch from Goodison Park and, if selected it's one he is looking forward to: "It was a bit strange seeing that in the fixture list. But it will be good to see them all again. I'll get to say a proper goodbye to the other players. It will be nice and I hope we get a result in that one especially."
On Wednesday evening England Under-19s lost 1-0 in their latest European Championship game against the Netherlands.
City goalkeeper Declan Rudd played another 90 minutes and the Young Lions currently sit with three points after their win against Austria last Sunday.
Their final group game comes against hosts France on Saturday.
