Canaries star poised for Italian job

Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy is set to secure his first England appearance against Italy on Wednesday as Joe Hart has been ruled out.

The Canaries ace was called up to Three Lions coach Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012 but was forced to pull out when he suffered a broken finger on his first day of training. Ruddy has since worked his way back to full fitness ahead of the new Premier League campaign getting underway at Fulham this weekend. And he is set to have a chance to finally make his first senior appearance for England when they face Italy in a friendly international in Berne, Switzerland. Ruddy's chance has come about after it emerged that first-choice custodian, Hart, pulled out of the squad when he missed Manchester City's 3-2 Community Shield win against Chelsea on Sunday at Villa Park because of a back injury. Ruddy will be joined in the travelling party by Birmingham's 19-year-old keeper Jack Butland, who took his place in the squad at the Euros and also played for Team GB at the London Olympics. The highly-rated teenager is also looking to earn his first Three Lions cap, but Ruddy is favourite to start the match.