Norwich City midfielder Mark Fotheringham is delighted to have finally been given a chance in his favoured central midfield role.The 23-year-old was given an opportunity to shine at the heart of the midfield on Tuesday night against West Ham and didn't disappoint with the former Celtic man putting in an impressive shift.

Norwich City midfielder Mark Fotheringham is delighted to have finally been given a chance in his favoured central midfield role.

The 23-year-old was given an opportunity to shine at the heart of the midfield on Tuesday night against West Ham and didn't disappoint with the former Celtic man putting in an impressive shift.

Fotheringham (pictured left) was deployed on the left hand side of the midfield for much of last season as injuries forced manager Peter Grant to shuffle his pack.

But the former Scotland Under-21 international admitted that central midfield has always been his best position and, having been given his chance in his preferred role, he has no intention of vacating his post any time soon.

"I think the problem with last year was that I'm not really a left midfielder but I was able to fill in there and I think that some people were perhaps judging me on my performances there," said Fotheringham.

"But it's just one of these things in football. I'll play anywhere for the team as that's the kind of guy that I am but I do prefer to play centre midfield. That's where I've been playing since I was a 10-years-old so I know that position well."

With the likes of Darel Russell, Julien Brellier and Jimmy Smith, when he returns from a calf injury, all vying for a central midfield berth, competition will be fierce.

However, one rival for a central midfield spot has been removed in the form of Youssef Safri, but Fotheringham insists that the team camaraderie is good.

"It was nice to get away with the boys to Holland and everyone seems to be gelling as well. We're still working towards the first game at Preston and we're working on certain things at training and different formations. It's taking its time but we're getting there."

City were taught a footballing lesson in the first half against West Ham but Fotheringham believes the match against the Premiership side will stand the City squad in good stead for the coming season.

"I'm enjoying it and it's always good to play against teams of West Ham's quality. In the second half the boys stepped it up because we knew we had to because they are a quality side.

"That's why the gaffer arranges these games, to get used to a very good standard of football. That's what we're striving for as well."