Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough has been dealt another blow with veteran Norwich keeper Michael McGovern unlikely to play again this season.
he 36-year-old had deputised for the Canaries’ first choice Tim Krul at the end of last year and impressed with a string of performances that earned him the nickname ‘The Norfolk Buffon’ among a section of the fans.
McGovern had his longest run in the side since April 2017 with 10 games in less than six weeks and played a key role in the Canaries’ ascent to the top of the table with just two defeats in that run.
But the Enniskillen man hasn’t featured since sustaining a hamstring tendon injury against Queens Park Rangers on December 29 and was spotted hobbling on crutches during a visit to Norwich’s training ground last week.
It was thought – and indeed hoped – that the ex-Celtic stopper would be sidelined for up to 12 weeks but the injury is more serious than first thought.
It rules McGovern out of the World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Bulgaria in March and, with Trevor Carson another long-term casualty with knee trouble, it leaves Northern Ireland with just two fit senior keepers in Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Conor Hazard.
McGovern had been set for contract talks before his setback and will be hoping that his appearances in November and December will secure a new deal.
The Canaries, who sit top of the Championship, look set to add another keeper to their squad before the transfer window shuts and whether that is a short-term loan deal or a permanent signing might have a bearing on McGovern’s future.
Sunday Life
