Having arrived at Aston Villa in 2018, Ørjan Håskjold Nyland made 23 appearances in the Championship last season.
Villa were promoted to the Premier League and signed Tom Heaton from Burnley in the summer. His arrival forced Nyland to become the third choice keeper at the club, behind Jed Steer.
Heaton was forced to miss his side’s clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to an injury, forcing Dean Smith to start Steer.
Steer suffered an injury early in the game and was replaced by Nyland in the eighth minute against Wolves. It allowed the Norway international to make his Premier League debut, which came as a surprise for him.
“It was very good. The opportunity may have come a little earlier than expected, but I have felt ready for a long time. Suddenly the chance was there, so it was all about grabbing it,” he told Dagbladet.
Nyland has provided an update on when Heaton will be back in action.
“Now one keeper is injured and will probably be gone for a while. So, it is Tom Heaton and I who will fight for that place,” Nyland stressed.
“Injuries can take longer than expected, so you never know. It has been suggested that Heaton should be out for two to three weeks. It’s about being ready when the opportunity arises.
“They bet on me to the extent that they want me to be there. They have clear goals for me, and I think I am a Premier League keeper.”
