Leon Barnett has thanked Canaries boss Paul Lambert for resurrecting his career.

The City centre-back admitted he was 'going nowhere' until Lambert stepped in to rescue him from the doldrums at West Bromwich Albion back in August.

A loan became a permanent transfer in January and while the big centre-half suffered a season-ending injury just a few weeks later, he admits that he owes the City boss a debt of gratitude.

'I definitely feel he has resurrected my career,' said the 25-year-old. 'I wasn't going anywhere at West Brom and obviously the gaffer put some trust in me and I am very grateful for that. I can't thank him much more than by putting in the performances.

'I've settled down in the area, we have a new baby and I have got to say a big thanks to the gaffer and to Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa too – a big thanks to all the staff.

'I'm just happy to be here because it has been a great move for me.'

Barnett had been a virtual ever-present in the City line-up before suffering a serious hamstring injury – he missed three games at the turn of the year after being sent off against Portsmouth – and while he was unable to make it back for City's promotion run-in he has joined in the celebrations of the past week or so.

'It was a bit disappointing to miss the games and be a part of the celebrations on the pitch, but I am happy for the boys – I'm just happy we're in the position we are in now.

'I have enjoyed everything that has happened just as much as everyone else,' said Barnett. 'Having 26,000 people cheering your name at Carrow Road on Saturday was fantastic.

'It's been unbelievable what has happened. At the moment I feel I am living the best life I possibly can.

'The team has just gone up, we have got a great bunch of boys here and you can only dream of stuff like this.'

Barnett is one the few City players with Premier League experience and says next season will be a huge learning curve.

'We are going here we are going to be playing in the best league in the world and against the best players and that's where we want to be,' he said. 'You only think about these things when you are younger, but we will all go there to learn. It is a learning curve for everyone, including myself so we will see what the gaffer has got to say and just try and produce results on the pitch. It's going to be very different but I think we just have to savour the moments we are enjoying now and think about it when the time comes, which won't be far away.'