Ryan Bennett goes back to the place where it all began for him as Norwich City player tomorrow but the defender hopes this season can be a new start for him at Carrow Road.

The 22-year-old made his Canaries debut at Fulham last season following his �3m deadline day switch from Peterborough.

The youngster acquitted himself well during the second half of the season considering the difficulties involved in making such a big career move midway through the season.

However, having had a full pre-season with his team-mates Bennett feels more settled in his new surroundings and is ready to become a mainstay of the Canaries' back four.

'It was difficult coming in last year but I think now I have been here a longer time I feel more settled,' said Bennett, who looks set to start at Craven Cottage alongside summer signing Michael Turner.

'With a new manager it's a little bit different as well. I came in under the old manager and worked with him for three months but then a new man comes in and everyone is starting new.

'It's been nice to come in, go away with the squad and have a full pre-season.

'I've got to know them all as well and of course the new lads coming in. It's been really good and hopefully I can continue to develop with the squad and go forward.'

Bennett accepts City are many commentators' favourites to go down this season despite their 12-placed finish under Paul Lambert.

However, the defender also points out that Norwich were in exactly the same position at this time last year and believes the club can prove the pundits wrong once again.

'At this point last year people were probably saying the same things. I think they proved them wrong last year and I don't see any reason why people we can't do the same this year.

'We're a decent unit and we all gel really well together.'