Norwich City: George Long happy to play a waiting game at Canaries

The goalkeeper joined from Millwall last week, replacing Tim Krul after his free transfer to Premier League side Luton. 

Norwich swiftly identified Long as someone capable of pushing first-choice keeper Angus Gunn after they reshuffled their goalkeeping group under Paul Clements over the last few weeks. 

Despite arriving as a deputy initially, Long has made a habit of surpassing expectations after moving to a new club.

At Sheffield United, an injury to Mark Howard pushed him into the team as a teenager. Then he leapt over former City goalkeeper David Marshall to become number one at Hull and most recently ousted ex-Ipswich shot-stopper Bartosz Bialkowski to play nearly 40 matches for the Lions in the Championship last season. 

Long has explained how patience and consistency have enabled him to work his way into every side that he has played for throughout his career. 

"Bart has had a great career. As soon as I signed for Millwall, I heard that he had an unbelievable stint there so it was a tall order getting in the team but I backed myself," Long said.

"It took a little bit of time, but I forced my way into the team and had a decent season. It was enjoyable, and to surpass 300 games as a professional was a nice milestone.

"You move on from places and you have to be patient. When I was at Hull, Marshy (David Marshall) was there and had a great season. Then I played the year after.

"When I came to Millwall, Bart was playing and I played the year after. You have to back yourself to impress and wait for the opportunity." 

Long has arrived at clubs as a second-choice on several occasions and has done so again at Norwich. 

George Long has had to show patience throughout his career. (Image: PA Images)

David Wagner was clear prior to this weekend's game against Millwall that his decision to make Gunn first-choice contributed to Krul's departure to Luton. 

In Long, Norwich have signed somebody willing to be consistent and determined in order to manufacture a chance of regular football in the long term. That process has worked for the 29-year-old throughout his career to date. 

"The Hull and Millwall moves, I went there as a number two at the time and backed myself to work my way into the team," City's keeper told the Yours Mine Away Podcast.

"I've known the score when I've come in and accepted the role initially knowing I have the quality to work my way into the team and do well when I get there.

"It is difficult because a lot of the time you feel that you're doing all you can but the opportunity doesn't come straight away.

"It's delayed gratification that you're doing everything right, and the chance might come later down the line in six months or even a year. Then it comes down to whether you're mentally strong enough to be consistent every day and wait for that opportunity.

"Moving house is unsettling - you're moving your whole life to someone completely different. There is no doubt that it takes time to bed in, you're trying to make friends and it's harder for your wife or partner to meet new people. It can be hard (to move clubs)."

Long's education at hometown club Sheffield United has played a key part in developing a strong mentality. 

The City keeper was in an age group with Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, spending over a decade with the Blades. 

Despite the pride of playing for his boyhood club in the first portion of his career, Long admits the pressure did take its toll on him. 

George Long came through the ranks at Sheffield United alongside Harry Maguire. (Image: PA Images)

"I used to go and watch my brother, and I joined in outfield, but I was just hacking people down. The coach said 'just go in goal' and I've stuck with it ever since.

"I joined Sheff United as an under-nine and was there until I was 23. The academy there has done so well - players like Harry (Maguire) and Kyle Walker have come out of it and played for England.

"Initially, I was just rolling with it and really enjoying it, but it's a tough place to learn your trade. It can be unforgiving at times, especially in front of the Kop.

"There isn't really an off-switch when you're from the city and all your friends and family are Sheffield United fans. There is a lot of added pressure."