City midfielder on pre-season & Youssouf Mulumbu
NORWICH City’s pre-season schedule is going smoothly so far, according to midfielder Graham Dorrans.The Canaries’ full squad trained together at Colney on Monday, with Tuesday’s friendly versus Hitchin Town at Top Field (7.45pm) next on the agenda.
Dorrans, who played the first 45 minutes in the 7-0 win at Gorleston on Saturday, says the squad have hit the ground running.
“It was a quick turnaround, but the lads have kept themselves in shape by training over the summer. Everyone has come back in good nick,” he told canaries.co.uk.
“It’s good to be back. We’ve had a couple of weeks training now and the lads are looking well. The international players joined back in on Monday, so it’s nice to have everyone back together.
“The tour will be ideal preparation, I’m looking forward to it as it’s my first one away here. The two games over there will be tough games, they will be competitive matches that will get us ready for the two Carrow Road friendlies and then the start of the season when we get back.”
Alex Neil, speaking after the Gorleston game, highlighted the value of establishing a winning formula in pre-season, and Dorrans echoed his manager’s sentiments, with City set to play six further warm-up matches before welcoming Crystal Palace to Carrow Road on August 8.
“It’s important to get a bit of momentum before the start of the season. You want to get a winning mentality in the squad. It’s a good habit to have, winning games,” he said.
“As much as it’s important getting game time, every one you go into, whether it’s in training, a friendly or a Premier League match, you want to win.”
Dorrans sealed a permanent transfer to the Canaries from West Bromwich Albion just two days after May’s Play-Off Final victory over Middlesbrough.
The 28-year-old was followed by ex-Baggies teammate Youssouf Mulumbu at the beginning of July, and he’s certain the DR Congo international will bring plenty to the team.
“I spoke to Youssouf in the summer before he decided to come here – he’s a talented player. He will add to the group that we’ve already got,” commented Dorrans.
“It’s nice to have him here. I’ve played with Youssouf since I started at West Brom and we had some good years there. Hopefully we can get that going again at Norwich.
“He’s got a bit of everything; he’s got steel, he’s strong on the ball and his fitness levels are right up there. He likes to sit in front of the back four, but he can get himself forward as well if need be.
“He’s technically an excellent player, and you’ve seen that over the last few years when he’s done well in the Premier League with West Brom.”
HITCHIN TOWN v NORWICH CITY - 14/07/2015
We will be unveiling our brand new 2015-16 Errea away kit at Top Field.
For supporters looking to attend Tuesday's game, tickets are available on the gate only, priced at £10 for adults, £6 for concessions, while for Under-16s admission is free.