Jamal Lewis says his four-month injury absence has made him even hungrier to make his first team debut.
Lewis was hugely impressive in pre-season for Daniel Farke’s squad before a knee injury picked up in training caused him to miss the early part of the regular season.
The left-back made his return to action on Monday night for the Under-23s and came through 60 minutes unscathed.
Speaking after the 1-0 victory over Bury at Gigg Lane, Lewis said: “It was wicked. It’s been four months in the waiting.
“Any footballer just wants to get back out there. It’s been a long journey, full of ups-and-downs but I’m just delighted to get back out there.
“I was really enjoying my football just before the season started. I was playing well with the first team and waiting for my opportunity. The past four months out have made me more hungry and I just want to get back in there and show everyone what I can do."
Lewis featured primarily for the U23s last season but his performances in pre-season caught the attention of Farke and his coaching staff.
In the summer the 19-year-old signed a new contract until 2021 and he now hopes a return to the sort of form which put him on the brink of a full-Canaries debut isn't far away.
“My game has evolved a lot over the last 12 months and I was just really confident that I could impact the game at that level,” he added.
“I felt fresh over the 60 minutes for the U23s [last night] and I’m eager to push on now.
“I’m in the training group with the first team so it’s down to the manager to see what he wants me to do next. If he feels I’m ready then I’ll step up and take my chance.”