Angus Gunn has faced several battles since his return to Norwich City but has finally established himself as a key player at Carrow Road. 

Frustration, challenge and adversity has been placed in front of the 27-year-old since his move from Southampton in 2021, but Gunn has met them all and is now well-placed to become an integral part of David Wagner's plans moving forwards. 

When City re-signed Gunn, it was a deal struck with an understanding of past, present and future. 

He is perhaps the only player to emerge from the big-spending summer window of 2021 with any credit. Norwich paid an initial fee of £2.5million to acquire the Norfolk-born shot-stopper. 

City needed a goalkeeper who would display patience as an understudy to Tim Krul initially in a way that Orjan Nyland didn't during his brief spell in Norfolk, but also a player who possessed the ability to succeed him in the future. 

Gunn was harshly scapegoated for the Saints' 9-0 Premier League defeat to Leicester in 2019 and wasn't trusted to return to the starting XI under Ralph Hassenhuttl. 

Norwich knew there would need to be a period of rediscovery for Gunn and some serious confidence building but hoped the familiarity of Colney and his connection to the club and area would speed that process up significantly. 

Gunn has been forced to display patience whilst Krul was the preferred option of Daniel Farke, then Dean Smith initially and even during the embryonic stages of Wagner's reign in Norfolk. 

Even when he has grasped an opportunity, as he did in the backend of the Premier League campaign last season, or prior to the managerial swap during this campaign - that has swiftly been followed with disappointment irrespective of his positive performances. 

All head coaches in post during the era of Gunn and Krul have initially judged the keepers to be of similar quality whilst edging for Krul's intangible skills and experience. 

Throughout his second spell at Norwich, it has felt like Gunn has constantly had to prove himself. The fact he has continued to emerge as the victor in recent times illustrates his determination to succeed at Norwich. 

Gunn has consistently ranked among the best shot-stoppers in the division statistically and has the highest goals-prevented numbers of any goalkeeper in the Championship - which is maybe a more damning number to City's backline. 

Improvement is required when it comes to commanding his area and in other facets of his game - but there is a more than good enough base for Gunn to develop from next season. 

The Pink Un: Angus Gunn has won the battle to be Norwich City's number one. Angus Gunn has won the battle to be Norwich City's number one. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

There was an element of surprise that Gunn was omitted from City's Player of the Season top three given his level of performance - but his influence hasn't been lost on those behind the scenes. 

Norwich will need to move on players this summer to fund a summer rebuild that Wagner and Stuart Webber are keen to implement following an underwhelming season in the second tier. 

Gunn will be a player they are desperate to hold onto ahead of next season - but it is other clubs and not them who will dictate which of their players are most desirable this summer. 

Whether Gunn will attract interest will be up for debate, but there are some who expect his name to be mentioned by Premier League clubs as they begin their planning for the upcoming summer window. 

With Krul willing to remain at Carrow Road this summer, Norwich do an insurance policy but given the strides Gunn has made in a season of overall disappointment - Wagner will be desperate to hold onto the Scotland international. 

Given that Gunn has had a few seasons without consistent football, he may well take the judgement that attempting to solidify his position as City's number one is the best option at present. 

Especially considering he will now have one eye on Scotland's road to the European Championships next June - it is not just the City goalkeeping race where he needs to keep himself in pole position. 

Gunn's battles at Norwich have largely come from pushing those in front - now he will need to prove capable of remaining there. 

The Pink Un: Angus Gunn has become the preferred choice of David Wagner between the sticks. Angus Gunn has become the preferred choice of David Wagner between the sticks. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Given change will be on the agenda at Carrow Road this summer - perhaps the most settled area of the squad is between the sticks. Gunn has fought off the competition, emerged as City's best option at present, and the hope is that can remain unchanged heading into next season. 

In amongst a sea of change this summer, Norwich are hoping Gunn will be the constant.