Mick McCarthy says he is looking forward to seeing how Norwich City do on a reduced budget next season.

The Canaries spent three consecutive seasons in the Premier League between 2011 and 2014, then bounced back at the first time of asking in 2015 via the play-offs as they lived off the riches which come with life at the top table.

They've found life in the Championship rather tougher this time around - following last season's eighth-place finish - and go into Sunday's clash locked on the same number of points – McCarthy's men a place higher in 12th courtesy of a superior goal difference.

City's parachute payments run out at the end of the season, while the Canaries have spent the past two transfer windows trying to lower the wage bill and bring in a transfer surplus to deal with the new financial reality at Carrow Road beyond this summer.

'I've been asked if I'm surprised they're not above us,' said McCarthy. 'I guess, with the money they had coming down from the Premier League and the players they've spent it on, then yes I am.

'They've had a few more quid than we've had to spend, let's put it that way.

'We've got them beneath us, although they're on the same points, as well as Hull and Sunderland – who apparently have £96m (in parachute payments) over the next three years to spend.

'Those teams should be better but it doesn't always work that way.

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'I keep hearing stories about ones who are running out of parachute money, them included, who are going to have to budget accordingly.

'I'd like to see a few more on my budget and see how well they do, to be honest. That would be quite interesting.'