Nobody needs to remind Kellen Fisher of the importance of pre-season as he seeks more progress at Norwich City.
The youngster joined the Canaries from then non-league side Bromley last summer initially as a development signing, before impressing David Wagner suitably to earn a place in his first-team squad.
Fisher went on to make 14 appearances and feature in 49 matchday squads in all competitions last season, something earned during last year's preparations where he impressed enough for a promotion to City's senior side.
From a non-league setting, Fisher jumped three divisions in one move. Since arriving at Norwich, he has had a few pinch-me moments - the youngster is now striving for further minutes this season after impressing Johannes Hoff Thorup.
"I came as a 21s player and it was a really big step for me, training with the first team and stuff like that, and to be fair to David Wagner, I appreciate him a lot because he put me in straight away and showed a lot of trust in me," Fisher said.
"I think I've come on leaps and bounds at the start of this season. I've come in well and trained well. I've had a lot of minutes in pre-season, so hopefully I can get more in the season.
"It's a massive step from where I was two years ago at Bromley. You go from little non-league grounds to the big time where it's 30,000 seaters. I really enjoyed last year, and it was a great experience, but I want to kick on this year and have more game time."
Fisher's rise last summer will be an example for a host of young talent hoping to follow in his footsteps.
Johannes Hoff Thorup has handed an opportunity to Norwich City's young talent. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
"It's really important to attack the pre-season just to show a new manager that you've got the capability to play at this level," the right back said.
"Especially against the teams we're playing, we're playing Bundesliga One and Two teams, they are really good opposition, and it's good to attack the pre-season to show what you're made of.
"We've got a good group of experienced players and a lot of young players so far in this pre-season. They will only get better with this learning experience of playing in pre-season, and it's been really good."
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