AFTER marking his City debut with a clean sheet at Crystal Palace last night, Michael Theoklitos is just pleased to be back in action, with injury having hampered the start to his Canary career.

The 28-year-old Australian arrived at Carrow Road three weeks ago, but a hip problem has meant he has been unable to play in any of City's pre-season games so far, having to wait until last night's friendly at Selhurst Park to get a taste of first team action.

And the Australian was delighted to be involved: "It was a clean sheet and we got the win, 1-0. I haven't played for a while so it was good just to get out there with the boys, and I've done a fair bit of training with the guys, but it's just good to get in a game situation now.

"I have been very impressed with the past four or five games we've had pre-season - we've had a very solid defence and I'm looking forward to working with the boys in front of me."

His debut was marked by an impressive pre-season display by the Canaries, beating Neil Warnock's Championship side, and the City 'keeper was pleased with their performace: "We played some good stuff at times and we feel we had a few more clear-cut chances than they did, so we did look more like the Championship side."

The game was also notable for a serious looking injury to vice-captain Michael Nelson who was stretchered off after a clash of heads, resulting in one of several changes to the Norwich defence during the game.

But Theoklitos said that the replacements were more than capable: "It's good to see different players come into those different positions and do a job for us, because It's a long season and you get injuries. Michael Nelson got injured and Micky Spillane came into the middle and did a great job for us. We need that in pre-season matches just to see who can play in which positions."

He continued: "We've got Wigan on Saturday at home and the following week, the season starts. There are 25 boys out there who can't wait for August 8 to come round.

"We've got a good bunch of lads, a lot of new faces and we're just getting to know one another. The trip to Scotland really helped, the week away, on and off the pitch we got to meet each other and work together as a team. I think we're looking good, the signs are there."