Anthony Pilkington's future at Norwich City looks decidedly uncertain after the board appointed Neil Adams as the manager for the three seasons. The 48-year-old, who took over for the last five games of the campaign just conclude when Chris Hughton was dismissed didn't use the Ireland international at all.

“Yeah it’s very frustrating,” said the 25 year-old, who has one year left on his contract at Carrow Road, when asked yesterday about his season generally. “I had a few injuries, one in particular just before Christmas which kept me out for I think 12 weeks. Then I got back and I was available for the rest of it but the manager, you know, had other ideas.”

Pilkington is enthusiastic about the prospect of finishing the season on a high now with Ireland with Martin O’Neill, he says, supportive about the longer term management of another, underlying knee problem that has sidelined him on a number of occasions.

“No, the manager has been really good. He has been in contact all the time. He’s always told me I’ll be in contention and I’ve made myself available whenever possible regarding my injuries. I am looking forward. I am really happy to be here and am looking forward to the games now.”

Keiren Westwood, meanwhile, is looking for a new club with Sunderland opting against the offer of a new deal to the 29-year-old goalkeeper who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury.