Jonny Howson admits he has no complaints at missing out on a starting berth in recent weeks because of the form of Wes Hoolahan.

The former Leeds skipper readily acknowledges his preferred position is playing just off a striker, but it is a role Hoolahan has made his own since being given a regular role by City boss Chris Hughton in October.

Since then Howson has had to be happy with only a handful of late minutes, but understands the current lie of the land.

'I've always said I'm not fussy about where I play as long as I'm playing – and I'm not even doing that at the moment,' smiled Howson.

'So yes if I could choose a position myself and I think it's my strongest position, I would pick that one.

'It's been nice coming off the bench and getting on for the last few minutes recently but it's obviously going to be very difficult because of the way Wes has been playing. He has been first-class, his retention of the ball and the things he creates – he is up there with one of the best I've ever played with in my career.

'You can see no matter what teams we have come up against, he has always caused them problems. So it would be very difficult to take Wes out of there. It's all about the team and the lads are doing terrifically well.'

The Canaries head to Swansea currently on a record equalling eight-game Premier League unbeaten run. Howson added: 'It is difficult when you're not playing, and it's the same as all the lads – you want to play.

'But I can't have any complaints because of the way the lads have been playing and, rightly so, when you're playing well and the team is winning you keep your place.

'It's my job now especially on the training pitch to keep pushing those lads to show that I'm ready if there are injuries or suspensions. But the lads have been terrific so they fully deserve to keep their places.'

Norwich took six points of the Swans last season, including a memorable 3-2 victory at the Liberty Stadium – something Howson believes City can repeat if they continue their good form.

'We are playing well at the minute but so are they, so it's going to be a good game I think,' he told City's website. 'But it's about what we do. We got a terrific win there last year so I don't see why we can't do that again.

'That was a great performance, especially in the second half, but they've got a different manager now and so have we. They've got new players, and so have we.

'So it'll be a different game to last season but the way we have been playing I don't see why we can't take something from the game.'