Steven Whittaker has conceded he wants to prove a point at Norwich City this season – and is glad his run of fitness is giving him the chance to do it.

While Whittaker impressed in his first campaign with City after departing Rangers, injury limited him to 13 games – most notably, a pre-season ankle knock at Celtic forcing his debut back to October 31.

So a goal and assist – but perhaps most pleasingly 90 minutes – for the full-back in Norwich's opening day draw with Everton has set a tone Whittaker is eager to continue.

'I've managed to stay fit through pre-season,' he said. 'I picked up a bad one at the start of last season. That wasn't ideal. I missed the first few months and it was stop-start with injuries. But this time I've managed to get a whole pre-season under my belt and I'm feeling good. I've had a quick start to the season. Hopefully I can stay fit and stay in the team.

'If I can keep my form and the team's playing well, then I'll be looking to play. That's down to me to keep impressing the manager and keep him picking me.

'I still feel I've got something to prove. I didn't play as many games as I'd have liked last season but this is a good start and hopefully it will continue.'

The same can be said of Chris Hughton's squad as a whole of course, after a promising opening performance missing key men.

'We're upbeat,' Whittaker added. 'We've spent a bit of money and got some new players in, and we're looking to gel, push on and progress.

'Snoddy picked up a little injury and Leroy (Fer) looks like one of our good signings. He's looked impressive. So we've got him to come back as well, and Martin (Olsson) played a little bit.

'We've got quality through the squad, which is good because we'll all be needed throughout the season.'