Alex Tettey was a high profile casualty of Norwich City's squad riches, admitted Canaries' boss Neil Adams.

The Norwegian international midfielder sat out the 1-1 weekend Championship draw against Rotherham, with Adams opting to restore Jonny Howson to his starting line up alongside Bradley Johnson.

Tettey has now linked up with his national squad for upcoming Euro2016 qualifiers against Malta and Bulgaria but his club manager stressed that was no reflection on the 28-year-old's solid form.

'I just wanted a little bit more drive with the ball. Jonny has got that good energy and the ability to do that,' said Adams. 'I told Alex he is very unlucky to be left out because he has done nothing wrong.

'He hasn't been dropped in any way. I just felt Jonny and Jonno gave us a sitter and one who is more inclined to drive forward than Alex.

'He has been brilliant for me this season and that is the advantage of a good squad. I can change it, not because players aren't performing, but because you think others can hurt the opposition.'

Howson was delighted to make his first start of the season following a knee injury but knows the heat is on to retain his place after the international break.

'Whenever someone is not playing there is going to be disappointment and you can't change that. The bottom line is someone has to miss out. Not everyone can play,' he said. 'The ones outside of the team have to keep the lads on their toes and those who are in the side know there is someone over their shoulder wanting to maybe take their place. That is only healthy for the team as a whole.'