Tough love is the mantra from Neil Adams as he looks to get Norwich City back to winning ways.

The City boss has made eight changes to his starting line-ups over the past three Championship games in a bid to re-discover that successful formula.

'They all want to play. If you win games and play well there is a fair chance you stay in the side. When you are not winning games you don't have as much of a claim,' he said. 'We speak to them individually and give them a heads up when they need it at the right time. You treat the players with the respect they deserve and obviously you like them as people but if it's right for the team you have to tell them if they are not going to be involved.

'Sometimes it can be because you feel another player can do a better job in a certain formation and they have to accept it. It might be a case they are playing well but it doesn't suit the formation you want. It's a lot easier to leave them out if they are not playing well, so I just try to be honest with them and you won't get caught out.'

Jonny Howson was restored to the line-up for last weekend's trip to Sheffield Wednesday and the 26-year-old may be handed more attacking licence in the injury absences of Vadis Ofoe and Wes Hoolahan.

'I wouldn't do him a disservice and say he can't play that defensive role,' said Adams. 'He is a very good player, but those are his attributes; running with the ball, driving with the ball and getting shots away. I think if you asked him ideally he would pick the attacking role because he has that energy and good legs to get around the pitch.'