Alex Neil convinced Norwich's solid Premier League form will attract signings in January

NORWICH'S recent lift in form has taken them six points clear of the relegation zone - and could prove crucial in recruiting new players.

 

Alex Neil's has seen four of his Norwich side's six league wins come at Carrow Road this term

 

Manager Alex Neil has made no secret of needing to dip into the transfer market this month and believes his job will be made easier by gleaning 10 points from the last 15 available.

"It does help," said Neil. "We are a more attractive proposition for players because they can see we have more chance of staying in Premier League because we have more points on the board."

Everton's Stephen Naismith and Sampdoria's Brazilian striker Edur are key targets, and although Neil refused to comment about either, the need for a proven goalscorer is apparent.

"I'm not going into any positions either because that just tells my players which positions I'm looking at," he added.

With lone striker Dieumerci Mbokani missing a couple of decent opportunities the Canaries once again had a midfielder to thank for their winner when Alex Tettey hit a sweet side-footer with his left peg, which he described as "doing a Yaya Toure".

 

But it was another midfielder pushing for a starting spot who caught the eye and bodes well for the future, with Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe involved in two key moments.

The 26-year-old Belgian set up Tettey for the 76th-minute winner and had been fouled by Victor Wanyama three minutes earlier which led to the Southampton man being dismissed for a second yellow card.

Frustrated after a string of niggly injuries and a lack of playing time, Odjidja-Ofoe recently held talks with Neil about his future at Carrow Road and was convinced to knuckle down in training and push for a start.

"Football is not always bright and nice," said the former Anderlecht and Club Brugge midfielder. "You have good times, you have bad times. I'm very happy to be in England and very happy now to get my chances."

 

Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe celebrates with Norwich team-mate Alex Tettey as they combined for the only goal

 

While things are on the up for City, Southampton have suffered something of a slump since beating Arsenal 4-0 on Boxing Day, and they were not helped by a pre-match disciplinary issue which saw Sadio Mane dropped to the bench for arriving late to a team meeting.

It could simply be a case of tardiness or something more, with Mane accused by his manager Ronald Koeman of not being focused in training and the suspicion looming large at St Mary's that the Senegal international is agitating for a move, with Manchester United known admirers.

Saints midfielder Steven Davis admitted losing Mane was a blow to morale but backed his manager.

"He's an important player for us," said Davis. "He's the type of player who can create something out of nothing and there's not too many of them around. He plays a massive role.

 

"That was the decision the manager made. Everybody within the squad knows the situation regarding that. It was nothing out of the ordinary.

"It's not ideal but I wouldn't like to put too much emphasis on that in terms of the result because the performance as a whole was good barring a couple of incidents. It's just so frustrating not to come away with something from the game."

NORWICH (4-2-3-1): Rudd 7; Martin 6, R Bennett 7, Bassong 7, Brady 6; O'Neil 6, Tettey 8; Redmond 5 (Odjidja-Ofoe 63, 8), Howson 6, Hoolahan 6 (Olsson 82); Mbokani 5 (Jerome 81). Booked: Rudd. Goals: Tettey 76. NEXT UP: Man City (h) FAC, Sat.

SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg 6; Martina 6, Fonte 6, van Dijk 6, Bertrand 6; Clasie 5 (Reed 80) Wanyama 4; Ward-Prowse 7 (Ramirez 87), Davis 6, Tadic 6 (Mane 80); Long 6. Booked: Wanyama. Sent Off: Wanyama 73. NEXT UP: Crystal Palace (h) FAC, Sat.

REFEREE: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear).