Norwich City defender Steven Whittaker is looking forward to Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge trips
Norwich City defender Steven Whittaker scored a superb team goal in Saturday's Premier League trip to Sunderland. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Norwich City defender Steven Whittaker is confident there will be no inferiority complex from the Canaries now they are back in the Premier League.
City matched Crystal Palace for long spells at Carrow Road in Saturday's opening 3-1 opening defeat and the Scottish international believes they can mix it with the elite in the months ahead.
'We are going in against some of the richest clubs in the world but this is the best league in the world and you have to be excited by that,' he said. 'It's what you play football for when you are a lad – you dream of going to places like Old Trafford and Anfield. Some of the best managers are there and many of the best players, so it's great to be involved on that stage.
'We can't be star-struck by it. We have to show we belong there and I'm confident we can do that. First and foremost, we have to enjoy being there and enjoy the fact that this is our reward for promotion. We have to be able to handle it as best we can with the squad we have but I think we are well-equipped to give it our best shot.'
Whittaker, speaking to the Daily Record, revealed he is most looking forward to a scheduled league trip to Old Trafford on December 19.
'My favourite would be Old Trafford. It's always a big special to play there and I was lucky enough to play there when I was at Rangers and we got a great 0-0 draw in the Champions League,' he said. 'You look across the card and see what fixtures are here and there. Every game is hard but you do look out for the big fixtures and they are the ones you really look forward to. I also really enjoy playing Newcastle at St James' Park. It's a great stadium and the fans always make it a great atmosphere.
'I've always had a soft spot for Chelsea, so it's great to go to Stamford Bridge. I wouldn't say I was a supporter growing up, but they were the English team I always looked out for. That came from my dad. He got it from my granddad, who lived in London for a long time and would go and see Chelsea. He passed it on to my dad and I naturally followed on but I wouldn't have called myself a massive fan.'
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• Sunderland midfielder Yann M'Vila will be available to face the Canaries in this weekend's Premier League game despite his red card in Sunday's 3-1 development win over City's youngsters.
The Black Cats confirmed on Monday dismissals at development level do not carry over to the Premier League.
