Russell Martin warns Norwich City’s squad must deliver

Russell Martin insists Norwich City's squad realise they will not feature in Alex Neil's Premier League plans if they fail to deliver.

The Canaries head to Sunderland this weekend looking to bounce back from an opening day loss against Crystal Palace, and Martin accepts the competition is intense inside the City dressing room.

'We certainly have a stronger squad now than any time since I have been here,' he said. 'When a player comes in, particularly if it's in your position, you don't like to see it and you might say it is good and healthy, but in terms of the squad it is great. You need that and it brings out the best in people. No one will shy away from the fight to get in the team and that is what it is – it's a battle and the manager will give everyone a chance.

'Maybe last year if we had an injury we would struggle to cover it but that won't be the case now.

'You need competition in every position. There might even be more by the end of the (transfer) window so it is up to the lads already here to stay in the team.

'I think the signings we have made are good additions to the squad, not only in terms of ability, but probably more important for me is the character, even though it is a pretty easy squad to integrate into. The characters we have got in are a perfect fit, they are prepared to work hard.'

City remain in the hunt for reinforcements after focusing on the domestic market so far this summer.

'The manager said he wanted to give people a chance but the club have done their business the right way in terms of signing players who will really add to the squad, with British experience who understand the Premier League,' said Martin.

'You can sign someone from further afield but it might take them longer to adjust to the pace and the physical demands.'