CHRIS LAKEY Mark Fotheringham limped out of Carrow Road after a cameo performance than was short on time but big on quality.

CHRIS LAKEY

Mark Fotheringham limped out of Carrow Road after a cameo performance than was short on time but big on quality.

The Scot was a half-time replacement for Julien Brellier, but failed to last out the half because of an ankle injury following a tussle for the ball with Saints midfielder Andrew Surman, which saw him taken away on a stretcher.

However, the good news is he was walking soon after and expects no long-lasting problems.

"When it fell with their guy Surman, my foot just got left in the tackle and turned over," he explained. "It feels much better now, it was just at the start when I put my foot down I felt the nerves shoot up my shin and I just wasn't willing to take a risk with it, especially this early in the season."

Manager Peter Grant credited Fotheringham with changing the game, which made his injury even more untimely, considering the battle he faces to get a place in the starting line-up.

"It was frustrating, it just felt as if we were getting into the game at that point and grabbing a bit of control and I thought, 'oh no, I have not got to go off have I?' - especially coming on as a sub as well. There is nothing worse than coming on and having to go off, but it is just one of these things and I just couldn't play on."

Fotheringham, given a contract in the summer after an elongated trial period after moving to City after a stint in Europe in January, has Brellier, Darel Russell, Luke Chadwick and, when fit, on-loan Jimmy Smith for company in the battle for midfield places.

"I know there is competition this year and it is a good thing for the club and I have always said that, that you need to be kept on your toes with the guys that are playing around you," he said. "I spoke to the manager and he said he was happy with me and that I would be a part of it this year, which is important for me because I am the type of person that likes to feel involved in everything. That means down at the training ground and on match day as well and I know there will be different systems used and different types of games and that, but I will be ready to play.

"I will give 100pc whenever I am on that pitch, that's the way I am."

Fotheringham's performance certainly did his cause no harm, while the win gets City off to a decent start.

"It is a massive win for us because Southampton are a top club as well," he said. "To be honest, we have got to win games like that; they are big team, but we are a big team as well and we have to show this year that we are ready. Even if it means winning ugly then that's what it is all about."