Johan Elmander has proved his value to Norwich City's Premier League cause, insists Canaries' boss Chris Hughton.

The Swede was heavily involved in both the goals in a 2-0 win over Sunderland before departing to a standing ovation at Carrow Road. Elmander's first Premier League goal for the club since his season-long loan switch from Galatsaray came in the recent 4-2 away defeat at Southampton, but Hughton is in no doubt the veteran forward will have played his part if City can clinch a fourth consecutive season among the elite.

'We all know Johan has found it difficult to get the goals he would like but no-one watching the Sunderland game could deny he brings something else,' said Hughton. 'Look at his general work-rate and you can tell he is a team player, he is good in the changing room and good around the place and you have to remember he is an experienced international footballer. There is a balance to find and it would be nice if he contributed more goals but he does give us other things.

'I have also played him at times in a different position, which has kept him out of the box perhaps on occasions and more often than he would like, but he was excellent at the weekend.'

Hughton was also delighted with Elmander's warm reception from the Carrow Road faithful.

'The fans showed what they thought when he came off and I think that was an appreciation of his performance,' Hughton added.

'They know where we are at the moment and the fact it has been up and down and we are one of eight or nine clubs who have struggled for the consistency to pull ourselves clear.

'Of course Johan will be disappointed with his goal tally, as we are, because you want strikers to be scoring goals. I think he feels his all round contribution is more important than scoring goals.'