Andrew Surman targets regular starting role for Norwich

Norwich City midfielder Andrew Surman is determined to show new boss Chris Hughton that he is worth a regular starting place this season.

The 25-year-old made 21 Premier League starts under previous manager Paul Lambert last season.

"I was pleased with the amount of games I played, but you always want to play more games, score more goals," he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"I want to play an even more pivotal role in the team's progress."

Competition for places in midfield will be even keener this season with Robert Snodgrass and Jacob Butterfield having joined the Canaries from Leeds and Barnsley over the summer.

And Surman believes that is good news for Norwich as they look to cement their place in the top flight after finishing 12th last season under Lambert - who is now in charge at Aston Villa.

"I don't think anyone will be guilty of taking their foot off the pedal, whoever the manager is," he said.

"Everyone's got things to prove and everyone's on a level playing field now.

"Everyone wants to be in the Premiership. We don't want to have a bad season, especially after last season's success."

Norwich were held to a goalless draw by League One side Milton Keynes Dons in their latest pre-season friendly and Hughton admitted his side had not been clinical enough in front of goal.

"They are a good side, a tough team to play against - they play a good brand of football and do it very well.

"I think we perhaps nullified each other at both ends. We got into some good positions but perhaps lacked that little bit in the final third to be able to convert some of the chances," he said.