KIERAN Higgs spoke of putting a 'tough' period in his fledgling career behind him after helping Norwich City Under-18s to a 1-1 draw at Newcastle United on Saturday.

The 17-year-old striker completed his return from a serious knee injury which had sidelined him for 16 months by coming off the bench on Tyneside, winning a penalty for his side which led to George Couzens' equaliser.

After featuring in the Barclays Under-18s Premier League game, Higgs told canaries.co.uk: "It was a strange feeling as I've been involved in pre-match recently without being in the matchday squad.

"This time I had to make sure I was preparing myself to play, meaning everything was slightly different. I came on with 20 minutes to go when we were 1-0 down and we were chasing the game, and fortunately helped us to get a result.

"I knew I was going to be out for a long time from the offset, but to miss 16 months is tough. Injuries can go one of two ways; you have to take the positive of being able to get your body into the right shape.

"I had to have four operations in the end so it's been a difficult start to my scholarship. The physios have kept me on track the whole time, so I'm grateful to them."

Higgs is now determined to make the most of the current campaign's remaining weeks in order to hit the ground running next season.

"My second year is going to be important and I want to put in some good performances," the youngster explained.

"I need to find out where I'm at as a player, because I've been out so long. I'm looking to use the final few games to get as many minutes as possible and test myself.

"By doing that I can use the off-season to kick on and get into a positive position."

A full interview with Kieran Higgs will be available in City's 'OTBC' matchday programme when the Canaries host Newcastle United on Saturday, April 2 (3pm).

KIERAN HIGGS: IT'S BEEN A LONG JOURNEY

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