Michael Turner is determined to claim defensive bragging rights when two of the Championship's meanest defences lock horns tonight.

Norwich City have shipped just 13 goals in 15 league matches this season with only Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday conceding fewer. Boro, third, host the sixth-placed Canaries – who returned to winning ways by beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at Carrow Road on Friday – this evening and City's defender insists he knows how key a shut-out could be in securing a victory at the Riverside.

The centre-back, who has been an ever-present in the league so far, said: 'It was disappointing to concede that goal (against Bolton) because as a team we want to keep clean sheets.

'We were hoping to do so on Friday night, we never managed it, but we got the most important thing which was the win. But we will be looking to get more clean sheets in the future.

'Of late we've struggled to score goals, before Friday night, but I think generally we are a threat going forward and we have created a lot of chances. We always feel that if we keep a clean sheet then we will win the game. We know it's a key job for us as a team to keep clean sheets and keep the goals conceded at a minimum and we'll be looking to continue the good form that we've shown.'

Boro and mid-table Wednesday have been breached on just 12 occasions. And Turner is keen for his side to improve on their already impressive record as he and Russell Martin look to strengthen their partnership at the heart of City's rearguard.

'In the run of five games (we didn't win before Bolton) teams were barely getting many shots on our goal so we were really pleased with that situation,' added Turner.

'Russell's done a good job. He's pretty much nailed his position there and I think we've worked well together. If it continues then I'm sure we can keep building and get even better.'