GLENN Roeder has told First News that he's extremely pleased with his players efforts in training so far.

Speaking to canaries.co.uk, the City manager said: "They're all looking very well, they're back to work and they've really got their heads down.

"They're working extremely hard, and I can't tell you how pleased I've been with them over these last few days and that must continue."

As part of the players' new training regime, Roeder has recruited Alan Pearson from fitness consultancy, SAQ. Roeder said: "Alan Pearson has come in to head the fitness and the strengthening part of the Club. I worked with Alan at West Ham - he made a big impression on me then and a big impression on the players there as well, and he's done the same thing here.

"The players are really enjoying his style and his ways of getting them fit again. It's extremely hard work, not covering long distances but lots of repetition with not a lot of rest between that repetition, and they're enjoying it. The days of mile runs and cross country runs are history. They don't play any part in getting footballers fit anymore.

"We're working very hard. Up to 90 per cent of it is running without the ball, and just using the ball in the recovery periods. But we'll increase using the ball as the days go by now."

On fully fit defender Adam Drury, the City manager commented: "I know Adam, particularly from his days at Peterborough. I watched him many times when I was a coach at West Ham and he always impressed me then.

"Although I've not seen him in a Norwich shirt yet, I certainly know what his qualities are, and he's training well."

The ink has now dried on two recent deals - a renewal from Gary Doherty and a pro-contract for youngster Declan Rudd. Roeder was positive that both players have bright futures at Carrow Road.

"Gary was very consistent last year and he's never let anyone down while I've been here. He played his part in some very important victories last year. He's a safe, sound defender, he's not flashy and he doesn't take chances, and that's what you want from defenders. It's about defending safely, keeping clean sheets and giving the players ahead of you an opportunity to go and win games.

"Declan Rudd is an outstanding young goalkeeper and one of the reasons why I decided to let Joe Lewis move on. As you know I don't want goalkeepers put in his way to stop his progress.

"Having said that we will still be looking to sign a goalkeeper certainly for the coming season, who's got experience because I don't think Declan is quite ready, certainly this side of Christmas for sure to step into being our number two just yet, but I'm sure he'll end up being our number one eventually."