Alex Pritchard is fully expecting to be a Norwich City player next season – and only has eyes on matching Brighton's feat.

Eastern Daily Press: Alex Pritchard takes the celebrations after instigating Norwich City's second goal against Brighton at Carrow Road. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus ImagesAlex Pritchard takes the celebrations after instigating Norwich City's second goal against Brighton at Carrow Road. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The former Tottenham forward's first season at Carrow Road has hit top gear only since Alex Neil's sacking in March, with interim boss Alan Irvine starting the 23-year-old in all of his eight games.

On recent evidence, City supporters will hope that run continues into next season, whoever is in charge.

And Pritchard assured he is patient enough to wait another campaign to earn Premier League promotion with Norwich City.

'Of course; I've got a contract here so I should be here next season and we've just got to kick on,' said Pritchard.

'We've got to work hard, we know there is going to be a massive change at the club and hopefully we can do it next year.'

The only issue is those sentiments promise to make it a long summer – a break Pritchard isn't looking forward to.

'Not really. It's one of those where you just want to get straight into it to resurrect what you've done this season. We'll have a break and we'll come again next season stronger.

'Of course this season will linger in the back of our heads, but what can you do now? You've just got to move on, start again next season and be stronger and better than we have been this season.'

Who Pritchard and his team-mates will be playing under remains the big unknown.

'We've not really spoken about it because it's one for the summer,' added Pritchard.

'We've got to concentrate on what we're doing now and what will be will be.

MORE: Alex Pritchard tackles the Brighton boos and banter – even if he couldn't claim a goal

'Alan is a top coach, as you've seen with the results we're getting. So are Dean (Kiely) and Frankie (McAvoy). They are all good coaches and hopefully Alan will still be here.

'It has been difficult for me. I had some good performances and not so good performances, before. Now Alan has given me a chance and I'm very grateful to him. He's kept me in the team, kept me playing and now I owe it to him and owe it to myself.

'It's not always easy to dip in and out of the team. It's difficult and players get frustrated.

'But like I said, Al's given me the chance. I've got a run of games and I feel fitter, I feel stronger and you can see it.'

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