Two and a half seasons since signing for the club, Sam McCallum has only made one competitive appearance for Norwich City, but the 21-year-old appears to be part of Dean Smith's plans ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Canaries have set high standards for themselves by winning the Championship title in 2018/19 and 2020/21, but competing at the level for the first time since the departures of Emiliano Buendia and Daniel Farke may pose significant challenges.

McCallum has played for Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers, on loan, in the last two seasons in the second tier and will be hoping that those experiences can enable him to have a positive impact at Carrow Road in the upcoming campaign.

The flying left back issued a statement of intent when he spoke to The Pink Un.

He said: "I love the league.

"I could even say I’m in my element now.

"I enjoy it.

"I am used to the games coming thick and fast.

"In the last couple of seasons the standard has got a lot better.

"The top half will be tight but hopefully we can get automatic promotion."

Financially the Canaries are in an advantageous position and will be planning on pouncing on that, with a top six finish probably the minimum requirement to have a successful season.

The Verdict

It has been a long time coming for McCallum and he will be desperate to hit the ground running, finally handed some first team opportunities at his parent club.

It will not all be plain sailing though, with Dimitrios Giannoulis in direct competition for the left back berth, after making 18 appearances in the Premier League last term.

Despite enduring a season blighted by injuries, it was clear that, when fit, McCallum was one of the best left wing backs in the Championship in his spell at QPR and that could edge him ahead of Giannoulis, who had to adapt in very testing circumstances last term.

It will be interesting to see which way Smith leans come the opening day.