City new boy Stephen Elliott admitted it was an easy decision to join the Canaries on loan until the end of the season, after finding starts hard to come by at Preston.
The Republic of Ireland international’s last action was as a substitute in North End’s 7-0 drubbing of Colchester in the FA Cup on January 2. But he’s desperate to get amongst the goals again – even if he has to get past Messrs Holt, Martin and Hoolahan first – and Elliott could make his debut against Yeovil this afternoon.
“Obviously I wasn’t playing too much football at Preston this season, this came up and with the team doing so well I thought I’d come in and give them a helping hand,” he reporters yesterday.
“It’s always frustrating when you’re not playing but you’ve got to keep yourself ticking over and working hard. You never know when your next game is going to come.
“Norwich are flying at the moment and everybody can see that. I’m coming in and if called upon, hopefully I can help out the lads.
“I work hard, have good movement and can create space for others as well. Norwich have got themselves in a great position and coming into a team that is buzzing is good. Everybody will be on a high.”
The 26-year-old certainly has the credentials, having plied his trade in the top two divisions with Man City, Sunderland, Wolves and Preston. And after winning promotion with the Black Cats not once, but twice, hopefully some of that experience can rub off on his new team-mates.
“Yes, hopefully. I’ve been involved in two promotions with Sunderland so I’m hoping that experience can help the lads over the line.
“Some players would be looking at it, hoping the season ends rather quickly but there are still a few games to go and they’ve got to get the results.
“There is a bit of a lead at the moment but everybody knows that they’ve got to keep themselves on their toes and keep the results coming.”
Despite only making 13 appearances for the Lilywhites in 09/10, Elliott is hoping to hit the ground running in Norfolk, with fitness hopefully not an issue. And he’ll certainly have some familiar faces helping him to settle in at Carrow Road as the Irishman looks to get his career back on track.
“I’ve been training and have played a few reserve games,” he added. “Obviously that isn’t the same [as playing first-team games] but I’ve been keeping myself ticking over and hopefully it won’t be an issue.
“I know Gary Doherty through Ireland and Wezzo [Wes Hoolahan] as well. I actually used to live across the road from Wezzo back in Dublin many years ago and I’m sure we used to kick a ball around as kids!”
And if his time in Norfolk is a success, would Elliott consider a permanent stay?
“I’m only looking as far as the end of the season. Hopefully I can come here, do well and see where that takes me.”
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