CITY can confirm the signing of Millwall defender Zak Whitbread and Stockport County striker Oli Johnson, both on two-and-a-half year deals for undisclosed fees.

Manager Paul Lambert said: "We needed centre-half and striker cover. Zak is someone I've been after for a while and is an experienced defender. He has always been my first choice to bring in and I'm delighted to be able to sign him from Millwall.

"Oli is a young unknown quantity but he'll give defenders a real fright. He scored six goals in his first nine starts for Stockport County. He's not long out of non-league, he's got quick feet, is quick and strong and hopefully he'll do well for us."

Zak Whitbread came through the youth ranks at Liverpool making eight appearances in all competitions for the Reds before initially joining Millwall on loan in November 2005, having made his senior debut against the Lions in a Carling Cup tie in October 2004. The 25-year-old American suitably impressed at The Den making the move permanent in June 2006.

He became a first team regular and helped Millwall to reach last season's League One play-off final at Wembley, where they narrowly lost out to Scunthorpe United 3-2 on the day.

On signing for City, Whitbread said: "I'm delighted to have joined the Club, which matches the ambitions of myself. Having spoken to the manager it is clear the Club is only going in one direction and I'm looking forward to being a part of that.

"Norwich is a massive club, growing up they were one of the top clubs in the country and have a great tradition, great ground, a fantastic support, which stills sells out 25,000 every week is a massive reason to come. Unfortunately I didn't get to play at Carrow Road last month when Millwall played but all the lads I spoke to said it was buzzing and was a great occasion and I can't wait to play here."

Whitbread has yet to feature for the Lions this season after undergoing a hip operation in the summer, but has made a total of 119 appearances in all competitions, scoring four goals in his four years with Millwall.

With his contract due to expire in the summer, the 6ft 2in defender has elected not to sign a new deal with Millwall, he and Oli Johnson becomes Paul Lambert's third and fourth January signings.

Johnson, 22, signed for the League One side in October 2008 from Northern Counties East League - Premier Division side Nostell Miners Welfare after impressing on trial at the Club.

The six-foot striker made his debut for the Hatters later that month against Colchester United and scored his first goal in January 2009 against Oldham Athletic. He scored a brace in the 4-3 home win over Crewe Alexandra in April 2009.

Johnson said: "I was aware of interest last month but wasn't sure whether it would materialise and am absolutely delighted to have signed. It is a massive club and it should be any player's ambition to play for a club the size of Norwich.

"I've only been playing league football for about 15 months so it's fairytale stuff really. Two years ago I was playing in front of 50 people, so playing in front of 25,000 every week is a really exciting prospect.

"I've played at Elland Road twice and it had a great atmosphere and spurred you on giving you that extra buzz playing in front of that many fans so I'm relishing the opportunity to play at Carrow Road, I'm raring to go."

Johnson made 15 starts and 28 sub appearances during his 15-month spell at Edgeley Park, scoring six goals.

Zak Whitbread takes the number 31 shirt, while Oli Johnson has been allocated 32.

To sponsor either Whitbread or Johnson's kit, please call the Advertising and Sponsorship department on 01603 218712.