Norwich midfielder Darel Russell insists the Canaries will come good after a shaky Championship start. City's weekend reverse against Cardiff left Peter Grant's side mired in the lower reaches of the embryonic table but Russell is confident Grant's new-look squad can turn the corner.

By PADDY DAVITT

Norwich midfielder Darel Russell insists the Canaries will come good after a shaky Championship start.

City's weekend reverse against Cardiff left Peter Grant's side mired in the lower reaches of the embryonic table but Russell is confident Grant's new-look squad can turn the corner.

“We should've won that game and if we had we'd have been sixth or seventh now,” he said. “Instead it didn't work out that way and people are jumping up and down. It's still early days, we've got a lot of new players and it takes time to bed in. I remember at Stoke we had about ten players come in every season and it's really difficult to get that understanding. You have to adapt to different training techniques, different routines. We're working hard as a group and it will come right.

“Once we do get there I don't think there will be any problem and we'll do fine. I'm sure the gaffer will say that he does not feel everyone has had enough time together.”

Russell was the tenth and final player through City's revolving squad door during a hectic summer overhaul. The 26-year-old has been an ever present at the heart of City's midfield since his Stoke summer switch. The combative midfielder was paired with Mark Fotheringham for the opening day trip to Preston before striking up an Anglo-French partnership with Julien Brellier in recent matches.

“I think when everyone is fit the manager has some exciting options in midfield,” said Russell. “From what I hear Julien missed a lot of pre-season so he will only get better. Fozzie had fitted in really well until he got a bad injury and it was the same with Jimmy Smith. For me, any of those combinations could work well.”

Russell admitted the weekend Cardiff defeat had left him with mixed feelings over the enforced two week international shut down.

“It's like we're missing a two game bounce now when you'd rather they were coming thick and fast,” he said. “Obviously you never want to go into a break on the back of a poor result but it gives us the opportunity to work on bits and pieces. Most of the lads are staying here rather than being away so there won't be too much disruption.

“I want to use this period to get fully match fit - I'm getting there now fitness wise. I've been reasonably happy with my performances although I'm disappointed with my passing. That'll come with full match fitness.”

The former Carrow Road trainee is already comfortable in familiar surroundings.

“I guess it helps that I already know the area in terms of settling back in,” he said. “I'm still stuck in a hotel at the moment which is not ideal but hopefully I can get that sorted in the next few weeks.”