Alex Neil has launched a charm offensive to keep Martin Olsson at Norwich City.

The left-back made it clear over the recent international break he could leave on a free transfer when his current Carrow Road deal ends next summer.

Neil confirmed yesterday talks are on-going and an offer is on the table for the Swedish defender to pledge his longer term future to the Canaries.

'Martin Olsson doesn't need to prove anything to me,' said Neil. 'I have been trying to sign him and get him to sign a new contract. Then we will all be happy. We want to keep Martin. In my opinion, I don't think you will find a better left-back in the Championship than him.'

Olsson was part of a large contingent on World Cup qualifying duty over the past two weeks but Neil insists there will be no excuses if Norwich fail to perform on Saturday against Championship bottom club Rotherham.

'We have 11 internationals I think and seven of those are first team regulars so it is obviously a worry when they go away,' he said. 'Normally we would have a full week to prepare but a lot played on the Tuesday evening so we don't want to do too much with them. Rotherham have had 10 days to work on this game in the main. Obviously we know them inside out so that is not an excuse. I still expect us to go and look to win the game. Good players can play well and win games. The best players can play well most of the time and still win games. There is a difference. Look at the top, top teams, say Manchester United over the years or Chelsea and Arsenal. The one thing that makes them special is they can win games every week and match that hunger and desire of teams fighting for their lives. In our league we are deemed one of the better teams.'