Chris Hughton insists he does not feel under extra pressure after Norwich City's patchy Premier League start.

City have taken four points from their opening five games and face a Stoke side on Sunday they have failed to beat in five previous trips to the Potteries.

'It is not a time to panic,' he said. 'You have to stay calm through this period. I have a belief in my ability and in the team. It is very early to be making judgements. It is always a concern, because we would want to be better placed, but we have to realise we are five games into a season with a number of teams maybe only a point or two better off.

'Pressure comes with the territory. I don't accept there is any more now than you always have as a manager because you have that responsibility to your fans, the board and the players. We went through a season of highs and lows last season and it is very enjoyable to experience those highs but in the low periods, when the results are not how you want, you have to make sure you are working as hard as possible and have that belief that you can come through it.'

Norwich's record outlay on seven new summer signings has inevitably raised expectations they can build on two mid-table Premier League finishes.

'We did invest in the summer and we have brought in some good players and we feel the squad is stronger than this time last season,' said Hughton.

'Modern football is a very results-driven game but it is great to see the clubs that have persevered with managers and allowed them to develop a philosophy and reap the benefits from that.'

Hughton's squad makeover has seen plenty of fringe players leave in recent months with midfielder David Fox the latest to depart Carrow Road yesterday on a short term basis after agreeing a three-month loan switch to Championship club Barnsley. Fox could make his debut this afternoon at Leicester City.

'He has been very good in training and a very good professional even through a tough period for him when he has not been playing,' said Hughton.

'He has been training well and playing in the Under-21s, but he needs to go and get some games under his belt and this is a good opportunity for him.'