Norwich City still have to show some fight despite relegation looking inevitable

I suspect there aren’t many Norwich City fans overly enthused about our return to Premier League action at Brighton this weekend.

With nine games still to go, we are once again staring an early relegation in the face thanks to a run of six straight defeats preceding the international break.

But while our fate is all but sealed, the final few months remain important for Dean Smith, the players and of course us, the fans.

The first thing we need to see is some fight. A show of defiance in the face of adversity.

The humiliation of the 2019/20 season – when we lost our final 10 games – is not something we want to be repeated. The odd result here and there will at least provide a vague feeling of positivity heading into an important, transitional summer.

With next season in mind, there is also plenty for Smith to learn – particularly when it comes to the make-up of his squad.

Lukas Rupp is the most senior player out of contract come the end of June, and a decision will need to be made on his future (for what it’s worth, I’d love to see the German stay at the club).

Meanwhile, I’m sure Smith will be keen to get some of the younger lads back fit and on the pitch.

In particular, I think of Adam Idah and Andrew Omobamidele, both of whom have spent the last few months in the treatment room.

Idah had just started to look the part before his injury – scoring his first Premier League goal in the win over Everton – while Omobamidele is clearly a young man with so much ability.

Another in a similar boat is Jacob Sorensen. The Dane, a classy operator in midfield, also impressed against Everton, before being taken off injured against Watford.

For me, all three are ready to make the next step forward in their Norwich careers – and should play key roles as we look to bounce back at the first time of asking.