Norwich City are in the middle of an injury crisis at present – and that’s opened the door for Motherwell academy product Reece McAlear.
The teenager moved from Fir Park to Norwich in 2019 before a senior Well bow, Stephen Robinson’s side netting a development fee for him.
He had featured in claret and amber during the 2019/20 pre-season tour of Northern Ireland but was whisked away shortly after to then-Premier League Norwich City.
Daniel Farke’s side have dropped into the Championship this term and currently sit top. But they are being tested at present as injury takes hold of their squad.
Scotland star Kenny McLean is out long-term, with other key players in Todd Cantwell, Adam Idah, Bali Mumba, Jordan Hugill, Kieran Dowell, Onel Hernandez, Sam Byram, Teemu Pukki, Tim Krul and Xavi Quintilla all out.
Farke wasn’t able to name a full subs bench in the 1-1 draw with Coventry City on Saturday but McAlear got his chance because of this. He was a late substitute for Max Aarons as the Canaries earned a point.
It’s another feather in the cap of the Well academy, who have moved players such as Stuart McKinstry, McAlear, Robbie Hemfrey and James Scott from their academy to big clubs down south.