Norwich City's tough festive programme may have some players reaching for the ice bath, but Zak Whitbread is loving the work load.

Having missed more than three months of the season through injury, the ex-Liverpool centre-back is getting back to full fitness after making his Canaries return in the 4-2 home win over Newcastle United at the start of the month.

Since then Whitbread has caught up with his Premier League team-mates as City look to build on an encouraging start to life back in the top flight.

Tuesday night's defeat to an impressive Tottenham Hotspur outfit was City's first in four games but with Fulham's visit on New Year's Eve followed by a trip to Queens Park Rangers two days later, the games are coming thick and fast – and you won't here Whitbread complaining.

'It was good to get the few games in quick succession,' admitted Whitbread. 'The first couple I was pulling a few caravans but I felt a bit better towards the end against Spurs and I feel like I'm getting some legs back, so I'm looking forward to Fulham.

'I've enjoyed a good few games in a short space of time and they keep coming thick and fast, and we've got to pick up as many points as possible.

'You could say it's a different task, but Fulham got a great result at Chelsea and every game is as hard as the next, and we've just got to approach it as any other.

'It's at home, so again we will go into it looking to get points out of it because that's the way we are. But till be a tough game. They've done well.

'All the games are massive but a lot of people do say you've got to beat the teams around you in this league. Fulham is a massive game for us – every game is.'

Gareth Bale stamped his world class talent all over Spurs' 2-0 win at Carrow Road, as Harry Redknapp's north Londoners showed why they could really mount a Premier League title challenge this season.

Yet Whitbread admitted there was disappointment in the home dressing room despite their illustrious opposition.

'Spurs are a good side; they're up there in the league for a reason, they produce great goals and performances all season, but we're disappointed,' said the 27-year-old.

'We thought we were in the game until the first goal… I thought in spells we put them under pressure and had the odd chance, but got punished with two sloppy goals.

'All credit to Spurs. They are a top side, top players and plenty of pace. But we gave it everything. The lads worked until the end and they never know when to stop.

'They are world class footballers. That's what the league is all about and it's great to be here, but we honestly felt coming into the game we could get something from it, especially at home and as good a side as they are, that's the attitude we've got and the way we go about it.

'So yes, they are world class players – but it is a disappointing result.'