Norwich City's Kyle Lafferty is adamant his bad boy image is wide of the mark.

Lafferty's summer move from Palermo came with a parting shot from the Italian club's chairman, who claimed the Northern Irishman's antics off the field made him 'unmanageable'.

The 27-year-old has already earned himself a reputation as a bubbly character inside the Canaries' changing room, but Lafferty knows when to get serious.

'I like having a bit of banter off the pitch, I won't deny that, but once I step over that white line and I have to go and do the business I will 100pc for the team,' he said. 'I treated everything that was said at the time when I moved as a bit of joke really. I don't know how I could be away from the club for weeks at a time when I was always there on the bench or starting games, I think I started 24 games last season. I did pick up a few injuries, where I didn't train and I looked after myself and worked hard on my own, but it was a bit embarrassing to hear all that stuff.

'I know why they said it. The fans were not happy at me being sold. They were basically covering their own back. That is how I see it.'

Lafferty owes Norwich for giving him a chance to return to England after spells in Scotland, Switzerland and Italy.

'I always wanted to come back at some stage and when a big club like Norwich come knocking on the door it is a no brainer,' he said. 'I didn't really get to see my children a lot. I could go two or three months without seeing them in Italy so I can see them a lot more.

'The city is nice, the people are friendly and that is what I need. There are a few other jokers in this team so I have settled in well. There is no point coming in and keeping your head down or not speaking to anyone and I have always tried to make my voice heard as soon as possible.

'I will always have a smile on my face, I am lucky to be in this game. I am getting paid for a hobby so why would you go out there with a frown?'