Norwich City defender Marc Tierney has more reason than most to relish the start of the Premier League season.

The 26-year-old was one of the Canaries' star performers in the first half of last season before a torn adductor muscle wrecked his campaign.

It was an uncertain time for Tierney as the club struggled to pinpoint the exact nature of the injury but once a diagnosis was made the former Colchester man has been focusing on carrying on from where he left off as a Premier League player.

'That's what can happen in football – one minute you're flying high and the next minute you don't touch a ball again for a couple of months,' he said. 'It's been frustrating but it has been great being back with the lads again. To be back out here on this pitch is just magnificent.

'I think it was only a six-week injury, the torn adductor, but obviously finding it took a while.

'I'm just trying to take in everything I can. I thought I appreciated it when I was playing every week but this has maybe given me a little reminder of what can happen.

'It gave me a little taste of what it must be like being sat there, not being able to play any more.

'Just to be back with the lads working on my fitness and get my boots back on, it's all been worth it.

'All the runs you do, when you're on your knees feeling tired, it's all worth it, especially when it comes round to a league game.'

Tierney admitted watching the Canaries in the second half of the season prompted mixed emotions. He was delighted to see his team-mates prove so many doubters wrong in the Premier League but not to be part of it was difficult.

'It was a bitter one – the lads did so well so it was a double-edged sword. It was great watching the lads do so well but to not be a part of it was frustrating.

'Thankfully we've got another year in the Premier League and hopefully we can all give a good account of ourselves again.

Chris Hughton has kept to the same starting XI for City's final two friendlies and it would come as no surprise if he were to stick with the same side for the opener at Fulham.

However, Tierney insisted that anyone left out will not get too downhearted – City's Premier League adventure from last season proved the importance of a squad game.

'I don't think you can read too much into any of the pre-season games – there have been different back fours, different midfields and different formations,' he said.

'We all just try and get fit, put our shift in and hopefully come the first game of the season you stick your hand up and you're ready to play.

'You can see from last season, lads like Aaron Wilbraham came in and played their part – it happens each time. Sometimes the ones you think are going to be the main players are the ones not in the side and vice versa.

'We've got a great squad in there – we all get on and work really hard. That's the main thing to continue what we did last year.'