Having swapped Aberdeen for Norwich City in the summer, Archie Mair says he is loving the challenge of playing for a Premier League team.
The 18-year-old has already been involved with Daniel Farke’s senior side, with his most recent appearances coming for Scotland’s U19s. Over three games, Billy Stark’s team didn’t suffer defeat, with Mair keeping an impressive clean sheet against Germany as the Scots won 1-0.
Mair featured as Scotland won 1-0. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images for DFB)
He’ll head back to Norwich this week, but Mair insists it has been brilliant so far down south and that it’s good to link up with some of his old Dons pals on Scotland duty.
He told NTOF: “It’s always good to meet with the Scotland boys in general. Obviously Ethan Ross and Dean Campbell have been my teammates all my life.
“It’s good meeting up with them and getting back up to Scotland.
Campbell is one of his former Aberdeen teammates. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images for DFB)
“I’ve really enjoyed it. I’ve been challenged more I think and I’ve been involved with the first-team over the past couple of weeks.
“There’s a lot of change for me, obviously with moving away down there, but I think I’m adapting well and I’ve settled in.
The differences between Aberdeen and Norwich according to Mair
Norwich is a big jump for the teenager. Having little first-team experience under his belt prior to his move, Mair has been faced with the challenge of adapting quickly to the senior environment.
The Canaries kid was in the matchday squad as Aston Villa beat Norwich 5-1. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Exceptional circumstances have paved the way for this. Injuries to the likes of Tim Krul and Ralf Fahrmann opened the door for senior spots that will likely be a rarity for now in Norwich.
It’s with the Canaries’ academy squads that Mair will experience most of his football. He’s opened up on the differences between Aberdeen and his new home.
He said: “I think it’s the speed and the technicality of the players, boys don’t make mistakes.
Ralf Fahrmann is just one of a number of pros that Mair is training with. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
“It’s the Premier League, it’s the best league in the world. Every single player is talented so there’s no weak links.
“You’ve got to rise to that and keep your standards.”
Patiently waiting
Whilst Norwich have had their problems in the goalkeeper department, Mair knows that he won’t be the number one anytime soon.
Bench spots will even be a rarity for Mair. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
What he will be though is one for the future. At international and domestic level, Mair has shown maturity and strong points in his game, including quick reflexes, impressive commanding of his box and good handling.
He is enjoying the spell with the first-team right now, but admits a loan may be coming in the near future.
Mair said: “I was involved on the bench against Aston Villa just there and I’ve been training with the first-team quite a lot. You don’t like seeing people get injured obviously but that gives you the little chance you need.
Opportunites aren’t forthcoming anytime soon (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
“I’ve still got a long way to go in my development. Down at Norwich I won’t be in the first-team this season or next season, I know that, so I need to keep my head down.
“They’ve got a programme for me, but whether that means going out on loan or not, I’m just concentrating on playing Under 23s games and keeping my standards high.”