Left-back may not be a totally natural position for Robbie Brady but the Irishman feels the physicality of Bradley Johnson can complement his abilities nicely.

The summer signing from Hull City has had to focus on the defensive side of his game early in his Canaries career, while Martin Olsson steps up his return to fitness.

With the Swedish full-back due to return to full training next week, Brady may have to retain that focus for another couple of weeks yet.

So the 23-year-old is pleased City's reigning player-of-the-season is there to help share that responsibility.

'He was brilliant the other day for me, it wasn't a difficult transition to get used to,' Brady said of his performance in the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on the opening day.

'He's used to playing that role more than anyone so it doesn't matter who he's got behind him, if he's doing his job properly I've got to adapt to him and I think he did that.

'He was excellent and I've just got to pick up off his movement – but he's been brilliant with me since I came in and hopefully we can work properly and get some joy down that side.

'It's always a bonus when you've got someone of his stature in front of you, who's going to put himself about, it always helps.'

Much of Brady's career has been as a winger however, with the Republic of Ireland international confident Canaries fans have not yet seen the best of him.

'I think it went all-right, maybe a couple of little aspects I could have tightened up on but all-round I thought it was an all-right start,' the former Manchester United trainee said of his City debut. 'If myself and the team can tighten up on a few aspects, then I'll be happy.

'I think as the season goes on I've got a lot more to offer and hopefully I can put that on show this weekend and going forward.'

City boss Alex Neil said he was happy with Brady's debut but pointed out that he was one of the players he had spoken to about Palace's opening goal, for failing to prevent Jason Puncheon's cross coming in which allowed Wilfried Zaha to score.

'We looked over it and I think I just switched off,' Brady said. 'There were a few little mistakes which led up to it, but I started maybe pressing a little bit too early. So we've had a chat and tightened things up a little bit so hopefully everyone knows their job going into it.'

The set-piece specialist does not agree that today's match at the Stadium of Light should be billed as a six-pointer however, continuing: 'A lot of people can get carried away at this stage of the season when pressure and panic starts to set in but we're only one game in. It's a long season, but on the other hand every game is important so hopefully we can come away with a good result.'

The Dublin-born attacker is set to face his international captain today, Sunderland centre-back John O'Shea, a player he has great respect for.

'Over the last couple of seasons I've played against John quite a bit and play with him at international level as well,' Brady, who has 13 Ireland caps, added. 'He's a great lad and a fantastic player over the years so looking forward to getting the chance to play against him.'