ADEL Gafaiti says becoming a familiar face in the first team squad is his next target after he signed a new two-year contract with the Canaries this summer.

The central defender, an Algerian youth international, is currently away with Neil Adams’ team on their pre-season training camp in Italy.

“I’ve got the contract now, but I need to work harder and harder,” he said.

“The most important thing now is what I do on the pitch. I’ve been working well since coming back after the summer break, and my goal is to be in and around the first team squad.

“As I said to the club I’ve always wanted to stay here. Getting a new deal was something that I definitely wanted, so I’m really happy about that.”

Gafaiti, 20, says spending time with experienced defenders such as Russell Martin and Michael Turner offers a huge learning opportunity for him.

“These guys probably have 100, 150 games in the Premier League and the Championship, so every time they do something I just watch and try to be like them,” he added.

“It’s the second time that I’ve gone on tour with the first team, and I’m enjoying it. I really like being with the first team – everything is great with the lads.

“I think everyone has done well since we came back from holidays; the work that we’ve done with Nick (Davies, Head of Sports Science) and all the staff has been really good.”

On the team’s targets for the year ahead, he commented: “We have to win a lot of games at home. It’s not going to be easy, but I think it’s something that we can do.

“The lads told me that in the Premier League, Championship or League One, the stadium is always full, so hopefully the fans can help us get promoted straight away.”

ADEL GAFAITI GLAD TO BE PUSHING ON

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