Norwich City defender Steven Whittaker is determined to make up for lost time after an injury-hit Premier League debut season for the Canaries.

The 29-year-old suffered an ankle injury 12 months ago in a Celtic friendly that wrecked the early part of his top flight bow before a hip problem suffering in the December league defeat at West Brom which ended the club's unbeaten Premier League record run triggered a fresh layoff for the Scottish international.

'I was really disappointed when I got injured just before Christmas because there were a lot of games coming up during that period,' he said. 'I was doing well, the team was doing well and I was really gutted to pick up a fresh injury there. I'd scored my first Premier League goal (at Swansea) and really the move was everything I thought it would be after moving from Rangers.

'It was very frustrating. I'd obviously got injured at the start of pre-season and missed a big chunk of the first few months. Then when I got myself in the team I picked up another injury and just played a few little bits here and there towards the end of the season so I guess you could describe it as a little stop, start for me. I'm not one who has had too many injuries throughout my career in the past so hopefully we can put that down as a one off and progress with Norwich. Any footballer will tell you the worst thing is to be injured and not playing games - especially when you first come to a new club you want to get on with it and make a good impression.'

Whittaker played 70 minutes in City's final USA tour defeat to Portland Timbers as he looked to get upto speed with the rest of his team mates following an extended break due to international commitments.

'Myself and a few of the other (international) lads have been a little bit behind the rest as we came back later so it has taken some time to get back into the swing of things,' he said. 'I've enjoyed it. It's been good to get over and play some games and enjoy some good weather for the fitness and training. It's always tricky the first few games to get used to the ball and get the legs pumping again.'