NORWICH City Under-23s boss Dmitri Halajko believes the format of the 2016-17 season is playing a key role in the ongoing development of the Club's next generation of players.

With fixtures during the first half of the campaign having come thick and fast, City's youngsters are now set for a short break over the Christmas period before returning to action in January.

Speaking to reporters after a 3-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2 at Colney Training Centre, Halajko said: "The games are very competitive, and none of our lads are happy when they lose.

"At this level, it's got to start hurting when things don't go your way. The programme has been great this year because we've already played more matches than the whole of last season.

"We've had a bit of success in the cups too, and the best way for them to learn is playing games. It almost replicates a 40-odd game Championship season, so our lads will benefit from that.

"They've got a few days off now because it's been tough, but that will certainly pay off for them in the long run."

The new year will also mark the arrival of Richard Money as City's new Academy Manager, with the 61-year-old set to join from MLS start-up side Atlanta United.

"All the coaches are really looking forward to working with him as he's got a great reputation," Halajko added.

"He's brought through plenty of young players, such as Andy Carroll at Newcastle. He'll bring really valuable experience to us.

"You can only learn from somebody like that, the amount of different changing rooms he's been in. His CV speaks for itself and I'm looking forward to picking his brains."

DMITRI HALAJKO: THE IDEAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

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