Norwich City have a new lucky charm – Gary O'Neil's head bandage.

Since the midfielder's sickening aerial clash with City team-mate Robbie Brady in the home defeat to Chelsea, O'Neil has sported the look to protect the two-inch gash in his head that needed stitches – and cost Brady two of his teeth.

Although Norwich went on to lose to the Blues and then in Wales to Swansea, the bandage has remained in place – and can now lay claim to a home draw against Manchester City and that momentum-shifting win at West Brom before the current international break.

The big question now is with the Canaries not in action again until April 2 when relegation rivals Newcastle United visit Carrow Road, will O'Neil still be sporting his now-trademark look?

'Some will look at it as a lucky charm, I'm sure – possibly he might do as well,' smiled Jonny Howson. 'I think if he knew it would help, he would sleep in it.

'That is the spirit we need though. There's Gaz with his bandage, Robbie in the past few games has always come off with something. We need our lads giving it everything and that is happening.

'Robbie will have been over the moon to get the winning goal at West Brom and he'll take the knocks when we get results like that.'

Head bandages aside, O'Neil and Howson's central midfield partnership has helped underpin City's improved defensive resolve in recent weeks.

'I think it has been working and I don't just think it's me and Gaz either; there are a few partnerships that have been clicking over the past few weeks,' added Howson.

'For me personally, we've got great competition in here and whoever is beside you they are obviously a very good player.

'But having Gaz's experience certainly at this level, it's been enjoyable.

'I think possibly we do complement each other.

'And of course, when you get good results and things come off, it always looks better on the eye too.'