[Huckerbys right foot]

City 'keeper Robert Green has been given a big boost to his hopes of joining the battle for the England's No 1 spot with warm praise from international legend Ray Clemence.

Clemence – who won just about every honour in the game during a glittering career – is England's senior goalkeeping coach, which makes him a key member of Sven Goran Eriksson's inner circle.

Green, 23, has won many plaudits, especially this term as he has been the backbone of the Canaries defence which has conceded just 26 goals in 30 games.

There is no doubt the tight-back line has been a crucial factor in pushing Norwich to top spot.

And Green's match-winning performances have caught the eye of Clemence, who revealed to the EDP he is keeping tabs on the progress of the 6 ft 3 keeper, who represented his country at under 16, 17 and 18 level.

Speaking at the Euro 2004 launch at the Portuguese Embassy, Clemence said: “Robert is having an exceptional season. The two or three times I have seen him he has played very well and has made vital saves which have influenced games.

“He is one of the main reasons why Norwich are in the position they are at the moment. He is still young and has been involved with England earlier in his career and he is one we have kept an eye on throughout.”

Clemence understandably was reluctant to compare Green with the likes of David James and Nigel Martyn.

Asked where Green stands in the pecking order of contenders for the England gloves, Clemence said: “I do not want to put a number on and do not want to put pressure on him.”

But he added: “If he continues to do what he is doing it can only help him in the future. If he plays Premiership football he will be playing against the best in the land and you are pushed to your limits and that can only improve you.”

The praise from such a hugely respected figure in the goalkeeping world will be music to Green's ears.

Clemence, now 55, played 656 for Liverpool after being snapped up by Bill Shankly in 1967 from Scunthorpe United for just £18,000.

At Anfield he had won three European Cups, two UEFA Cups, five League Championships, one FA Cup and one League Cup. He played in no fewer than five FA Cup Finals - three for Liverpool and later two for Tottenham.

He won 61 England caps at senior level from 1972 to 1983 – and surely would have got more had it not been for Peter Shilton competing for the No 1 slot at the same time.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Richard Caborn – who was also a guest at the Portuguese Embassy – has tipped Norwich for promotion.

The admission is hard for the Yorkshireman, as he is devoted fan of Sheffield United – one of City's main rivals.

“Norwich are doing very well and of course beat us 1-0 recently – although we should have had a penalty,” Mr Caborn told the EDP.

That is a story from the Pink'Un ..Norwich citys official Newspaper