NORWICH defender Gary Doherty wants the Canaries' defence to get back to its miserly ways against Barnsley on Saturday.

The 4-0 defeat at Leicester at the weekend was City's heaviest defeat of the season and the first time they had conceded more than three goals in a match this season.

Since the arrival of boss Glenn Roeder in October, the Canaries have only conceded more than two goals in a game twice - the 3-1 home defeat to Watford in the former Newcastle manager's second match in charge followed by the Plymouth horror show.

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And Doherty hoped the mauling at the Walkers Stadium would produce a response from Norwich as they look to embark upon another lengthy unbeaten run.

"It had been going so well for us defensively but that game was a little bit of a disaster," he said.

"If you were to stop and look at the reasons why we went 13 unbeaten it was more or less built on not conceding goals and trying to keep clean sheets. Leicester was a terrible result for us and we're looking for a response.

"It was a big shock - not just to lose three points but to lose three big players for a game or two although the gaffer has already said it's a chance now for others to come in and show what they can do."

Doherty was referring to the suspensions of Dion Dublin, Mark Fotheringham and Darel Russell for the visit of the Tykes. With Dublin out of action, Roeder has few other attacking options in terms of a recognised 'target man', particularly after Chris Brown left for Preston in the January window.

Doherty himself has been used as an emergency striker in the past, but has not played in attack since the early days of City's Premiership season three years ago. And the 28-year-old was not expecting to be recalled to the attack for the visit of the Tykes, fresh off the back of their excellent FA Cup win at Liverpool.

"I haven't really thought about putting in a shift up front," he said, speaking to the EDP. "I would be surprised if the gaffer went that way but he might look at it if he feels he needs a targetman. Curo looks good in training so that gives him different options and you have the likes of Chris Martin as well ready to step in.

"I don't remember the last time I started a game up front. I think it would probably have to be when I first came here when the club was in the Premiership.

"That was one of the reasons I decided to come to Norwich because I was being played in two different positions at my previous club and when that happens its hard to progress or establish yourself."

Doherty's current deal with the Canaries is set to expire this summer. But Roeder is keen to extend the defender's stay at Carrow Road beyond this season, and Doherty revealed tentative talks about a new contract had already begun.

"The gaffer got me into his office to offer me a new deal and that's the start of it," said Doherty, who could be handed the captain's armband on Saturday in the absence of usual skipper Fotheringham. "To be honest we havent really had any major discussions. There is obviously bits and pieces to sort out now but I'm happy here and enjoying my football."

City now face the prospect of back-to-back home matches, with Blackpool coming to Carrow Road a week after the clash with Barnsley. And Doherty said taking six points from these games was the only way Norwich could revive their fading play-off push.

"These next two games will shape our season - whether we can push on for the play offs or not," he said. "We'd still have to go on a ridiculous run to get anywhere near but to do that I think you need maximum points from these games coming up.

"The gaffer has spoken to us a few times about having the strength of mind to deal with certain situations. When you looked at the table before we went on our run we were going into matches knowing it was must win. That seemed to bring the best out of us. The pressure of trying to stay in the hunt is something we can also respond to."