ON-LOAN Newcastle midfielder Matthew Pattison would welcome a permanent move to Norwich, he told First News.

While boss Glenn Roeder turns salesman after training today in a bid to convince defender Martin Taylor his long-term future lies at Carrow Road, it seems another of his loan options has already made his mind-up.

Taylor has been told by new Birmingham boss Alex McLeish that they will listen to offers for his services, with Roeder hoping at the very least to extend the 28-year-old's loan deal when it expires after Saturday's match with Sheffield United.

But while Taylor's future in Norfolk remains in the balance, Pattison has already seen enough to convince him he would love to engineer a permanent move away from St James' Park when the transfer window opens on January 1.

"I hope so," was Pattison's simple answer when asked if an extension to his loan deal was possible in the New Year. "I want to stay a lot longer and maybe sign permanently. I've enjoyed it a lot so far. I just want to play football."

And it would seem City's loyal band of supporters can take much of the credit for persuading Pattison to stay, should a deal be struck with the Magpies.

A sell-out crowd cheered Norwich on to victory over Plymouth Argyle in midweek, with few spare seats likely for Saturday's match with Bryan Robson's Sheffield United side.

Such attendances have become the envy of clubs all through the Championship, and have even put some Premier League sides to shame.

And Pattison, no stranger to playing in front of big crowds during his time at Newcastle, was amazed at the backing.

"It's been unbelievable by the fans," he said. "To get sell-outs every game is crazy. They have got behind us, and there's more atmosphere at Carrow Road than there is at St James' Park, which is nice."

Roeder would welcome a long-term move for Pattison, a player who he granted a senior debut to while manager at Newcastle.

And the City boss said he would also be working to extend the loan deal currently keeping Chelsea midfielder Jimmy Smith at Carrow Road until the New Year.

"Matty I know all about," said Roeder. "I've not been displeased with Matty at all. He will improve with the longer he's here and the more first team football he can play while he's here.

"Two young players involved in a pressure situation where we are in the league and I think Matty will handle it and Jimmy will handle it as well. So, I'd like to keep both of them. Definitely."

With Darel Russell missing the game against the Blades through suspension, Smith could be rewarded with a start, especially after impressing Roeder in training over the past two weeks.

And Roeder said he would be speaking to Chelsea' sporting director about the likelihood of keeping Smith in his squad for longer.

"I'll have to speak to Frank Arnesen shortly about Jimmy, and I know Frank quite well," he said.