Words John Edwards | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Caleb Ansen is staying with Altrincham for the rest of the season after a loan extension was agreed for the highly-rated Norwich City under-21s keeper.

The 19-year old was pitched straight into a debut at Boundary Park against Oldham Athletic shortly after arriving on an initial one-month loan in the wake of Ethan Ross being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

He kept a clean sheet with an assured performance at Gateshead, where no fewer than eight saves earned him a place in the National League team of the week, and he impressed again when the Robins returned to the North-East three days later and added a further three points to our promotion push with a 2-1 win at Hartlepool United.

A fourth consecutive starting appearance followed against AFC Fylde at The J.Davidson Stadium, as a long unbeaten record at home finally came to an end with a 2-1 defeat.

When the opportunity arose to add experience to the goalkeeping ranks in the shape of former Wrexham number one Rob Lainton, Caleb was named on the bench for the subsequent games against York City, Southend United and Rochdale.

Though he was an unused substitute each time, he continues to provide Rob with genuine competition for a starting place by performing to a high level on a daily basis at the Robins' Egerton training ground.

His loan extension is an important breakthrough for the club in the face of a demanding fixture schedule, with at least one National League Cup tie, two if Alty reach the final, and 11 more league games to be completed in less than two months.

"Caleb has done well, and we're delighted he's going to be with us for the rest of the campaign, with so many important games coming up," said director of football Marc Tierney. "The extension includes the play-offs, so it's good to know we will be well catered for in goal, should we get there.

"This just underlines the benefits to be had from our policy of exploring the Championship and Football League in general for young talent and giving them the chance to develop while also contributing for us on the pitch.

"He is maintaining high levels in training and providing great competition for Rob, which is exactly what you want from your keepers."

Fantastic that you are extending your stay with us, Caleb, and all the very best for what promises to be another exciting and eventful end to a Vanarama National League campaign for the Robins.