The inside story of Jon Rowe's incredible Norwich City rise

Those characteristics have helped Rowe forge a career at Carrow Road after developing through their academy and he is now attracting attention from the likes of Leeds United and Premier League clubs. 

It hasn't been an easy road for Rowe. He has had to deal with personal issues and Osgood-Schlatter disease, the most common knee injury found in adolescents, during his development. 

A stunning breakthrough campaign last season came as no surprise to former City academy chief Steve Weaver, who believes the 21-year-old is ready to take the next step in his career.

"It's not very surprising he's had the impact he has had," Weaver said. "He's left-footed, right-footed, very, very quick, and he does the hardest thing in the game as well as anyone - score goals.

"He's ready to play in the Premier League."

Rowe's personality is different from that of the typical young footballer. Bundles of honesty, confidence, and self-belief underpin his approach. 

Sometimes, that could lead to Rowe fighting his own corner too vigorously in an attempt to run before he could walk - as Weaver recounts from his time heading up the Canaries academy over a seven-year period. 

"He'll test you," Weaver told Sky Sports. "He was always curious. He'd always want to be at the next level long before he was ready.

"He's a very rare breed. At 15, he'd just come and talk to you, other kids won't do that, they want someone to do it for them.

"He'll have an argument, he'll make his point, and he could charm his way around a lot of things, but he'd always listen and learn.

"He'd tell you, 'I should be in the U18s'. No you're not ready yet, John. 'I should be in the U21s.'

"You'd probably have to put him in - and then he'd come back to you and say, 'I'm not quite ready, am I?'"

Jonathan Rowe's brace at Ipswich Town showed he is a man for the big occasion. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Anybody who has held an audience will Rowe will sense that fire that burns within to reach the top. It is a determination and a belief that fuels his on-pitch performances. 

A brace at Portman Road epitomised that hunger and desire to perform on the biggest stage. Rowe's goal-scoring ability has been seemingly innate since his graduated to City's senior team, but for Weaver, it is something that has been coached into him.

"I always remember him turning to me during a training session and asking how to get to the next level," said Weaver. "I said his numbers weren't great. He wasn't getting enough goals or assists. Later we sat down and went through all the data.

"You never had to sugarcoat things with him. You could be honest. He just took it away, thought about it, and six weeks later he made his professional debut."

Prior to joining Norwich, Rowe played for local side AFC Wembley after being recommended to coaches Mo Jama and Gary Graham by City scout Jay Marshall, who also coached the winger during his school years. 

What set Rowe apart from others during his time at the club was his natural footballing ability, something Norwich have reaped the benefits of since his move to Norfolk. 

"We never turn away any good players," Jama said. "But we knew instantly there was something a little bit different, a little bit special about him.

"Some boys are a bit shy when they first come in but he wasn't that reserved.

"He was really easy on the eye, really skilful. He settled in really well with the team, and from day one you could tell there was something there.

"What really stood him out compared to the others, as well as those other players who have really moved on, is that huge work-rate, sacrifice and willingness to do more than his peers.

"Natural talent is not enough. You could tell from his demeanour, the way he carried himself, he always wanted to improve, get better and be the best he can be."

Hard work has underpinned Jon Rowe's rise to the Norwich City first team. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

In the background of his attempts to forge a football career, Graham recounts how Rowe successfully juggled challenges back home—something that built a resolve that enabled him to perform under pressure. 

"It goes back to his home life with his mum," said Graham. "There was a lot of times she was okay, then wasn't well. He likes to take on responsibility where some people shirk it.

"When he's under pressure, that's when you see the best of him. If it's too easy, he might get bored."

As Rowe prepares for a new Championship campaign with Norwich, that burning desire to reach the new level will shine just as brightly.