ARTURO Lupoli says he was delighted to finally make his debut at Carrow Road, after a long wait for international clearance.

After a hold-up at the Italian FA, the 21-year-old started against Colchester United in City's final friendly of the pre-season, giving the Canary faithful their first chance of witnessing the youngster's skills.

Speaking after the 2-2 draw, Lupoli said he was pleased to finally turn out in Canary colours: "It was great to play at Carrow Road, we did well. I could have done better myself, I wasn't 100 per cent but I gave it my best. Waiting for my international clearance was frustrating, I was expecting to play against Spurs but I didn't get the chance. So it wasn't the best start for me, as I really wanted to play against Spurs.

"I am trying to train as hard as I can so I can get to the same fitness as where my team-mates are. I will get there, maybe after one or two games, and after playing more I can reach my best performance. At the moment I feel 70 per cent fit and in two or three weeks, I hope to be 100 per cent."

With Norwich initially facing competition for the young Italian's signature, Arturo was asked what swayed his decision. "I felt that the manager and the Club here really wanted me, and that is why I chose Norwich. A football club in Italy and one or two in England wanted me, but I chose Norwich because I really felt it was the right one.

"I prefer English football because it's more the way I like to play so I would like to be here for more than a year. Getting to the Premier League with this team would be a dream."

Just one of the new faces to join the Canary ranks over the summer, Lupoli joins City along with seven additions in recent times. Asked for his thoughts on his new team, the striker answered: "Norwich is a strong team. We just need to get to know each other better because there are new players now. Me and Jamie need to play more games together so our partnership can improve. Everything is there - we have a strong defence so we just need to be patient and the results will come. I am a striker so I need to score goals, today I didn't but I did a few good things so I just need to keep playing well and good performances will bring goals as well.

"Italy is different football - they want very experienced players so the choice to play here means I can improve and get more experience, and get to the level where I want to be. It's a young and exciting team, with experienced players too so it's a good mix which will mean we should play well this season."

With ex-City loan signing David Bentley hitting the sporting headlines in recent days with a move to Tottenham, Lupoli was asked whether his old Arsenal team-mate had given him any words of wisdom whilst preparing for his move to Norfolk. "I haven't spoken to him recently but when I was at Arsenal he talked to me about Norwich and said it was a great environment for a young player, to help you grow up and get to the next stage. I remembered those words, and that is why I chose Norwich."