CITY boss Glenn Roeder reassured Canary fans his summer transfer plans are 'on course' at a press conference held at Colney.

Asked if he was frustrated by only having been able to add one new face to the ranks so far in the shape of Sammy Clingan, who has agreed to join from Nottingham Forest on July 1, he commented:

"Not at all. Basically we are where I thought we'd be. We've announced one signing but supporters can feel confident plenty more are coming in. Lots of people are on holiday at the moment and other people are not in such a rush as we are to sign players.

"Every club at this time of year has speculation and this will continue until the window closes. I understand the impatience of everybody. I wanted the chance to make sure fans hear as far as I'm concerned we're on course and will get the players we want. No other club has signed a player we want and I don't feel I've missed out on our targets."

Roeder reflected on a so-far quiet summer transfer window as Championship clubs by and large have kept their cards close to their chest to date:

"I have a feeling we have a market where there's not a lot of money floating round. I think lots of clubs need to get money in and there are not many clubs around who can afford to be unrealistic. I also think it's changed so much in last five or six years - players hold the upper hand even if they're under contract.

"I'm a great believer in if you want to play for Norwich City and I want you to play for Norwich City, all well and good.

"What is crucial this year is we have a group of players from day one who want to play for Norwich City and put the shirt on and want to be in the team."

Roeder said these simple criteria had been applied in the case of Forest midfielder Clingan and he had passed the commitment acid test:

"I had that feeling straight away from Sammy Clingan, within a few minutes of speaking to me, that he wanted to play for Norwich City. I had the same feeling, he looked me in the eye and I could tell he wants to put shirt on and make sure its a winning shirt. I'm delighted with the first signing.

Reporters asked the manager whether any of last season's loanees might make further appearances in Canary colours.

He replied: "For Kieran Gibbs the season ended too soon, he would have played at Sheffield Wednesday if available and I selected him on merit in the other games.

"Who knows what the future holds, but when he adds a bit of bulk to his frame and strengthens, which he will do as he matures, he is going to have a very good career ahead of him.

Ched Evans is another young player who has left here more mature. It's now up to Mark Hughes what his future will hold this new season, if he tries to keep him, loan him out or sell him on. We will obviously be keeping an eye out on the situation.

"Ryan Bertrand is an excellent player and has an excellent character. It's good to bring in these players to rub off on our other young players."

Finally he was asked about speculation regarding the Canaries and Northern Irish prospect Pat McCourt, who yesterday agreed a three-year deal with Celtic:

"We showed a little bit of interest late in the day - we were looking at the situation. We were told about him going to West Brom and when Celtic came in, a giant of Scottish football, it made it nigh-on impossible for us and everybody else in the Championship."

"We've completely rejigged our recruitment set-up, now headed up by Bryan Gunn, and one of three major new scouts is Barry Hunter who played for Northern Ireland. He is a major player for us this year sourcing new talent and we've had him look at it. It might well have happened but Celtic came in and swept him off his feet and I understand that and I wish him all the best."