Paul McVeigh's Norwich City future looks set to be discussed “in the near future”, according to Nigel Worthington. The 28-year-old striker has a further one-year option on his current City deal and after a sparkling Christmas and New Year, the Canaries appear on the verge of exercising that option and opening negotiations on extending McVeigh's stay.

Paul McVeigh's Norwich City future looks set to be discussed “in the near future”, according to manager Nigel Worthington.

The 28-year-old striker has a further one-year option on his current City deal and after a sparkling Christmas and New Year in which the one-time Northern Ireland international grabbed six goals in eight games, the Canaries appear on the verge of exercising that option and opening negotiations on extending McVeigh's stay.

“Paul's got a one-year option on his current contract and that's something that we'll be looking at in the near future,” said Worthington, well aware that McVeigh's second-half substitute's efforts of late have both furthered his claim for a new Norwich deal and, in the short term, enhanced his prospects of a return to the starting line-up.

“Paul's been working very hard and has been looking to make the most of the opportunities that he's had,” added the City manager. “The fact that there is this one-year option on his contract means that he has got a very large carrot dangling in front of his face - very much so.”

He may well also have a very real chance to start Saturday's home clash against Stoke City having been one of the few players to emerge with any credit from last weekend's woeful 4-1 defeat at Crystal Palace - a result that effectively ended Norwich's hopes of reaching the play-offs and turned up the heat again on the manager ahead of tonight's public meeting at St Andrew's Hall.

“We will have to consider making some changes,” said Worthington, with a start for McVeigh's fellow second-half substitute Leon McKenzie another clear option.

“There are one or two that we will have to have a little look at because it was a very, very disappointing and frustrating performance last Saturday,” said Worthington.

At least one change will be enforced on the City chief with Adam Drury suspended for the Potters' clash after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Selhurst Park.

Both Andy Hughes and Youssef Safri are rated “touch and go” for the Stoke clash. Hughes is still struggling with the hamstring injury he sustained in the home win over Derby, while Safri hobbled out of the Palace clash before the interval with a badly bruised hip.