David Cuffley Simon Lappin savoured League One champions Norwich City's victory parade and admitted: 'It's worth the wait.' The Scottish midfielder has had more reason than most to enjoy the Canaries' end-of-season celebrations after 3� years of sharply contrasting fortunes at Carrow Road.

David Cuffley

Simon Lappin savoured League One champions Norwich City's victory parade and admitted: “It's worth the wait.”

The Scottish midfielder has had more reason than most to enjoy the Canaries' end-of-season celebrations after 3� years of sharply contrasting fortunes at Carrow Road.

Signed by Peter Grant, discarded by Glenn Roeder, recalled and relegated but given a new contract by Bryan Gunn and finally emerging as a key figure in City's title success under Paul Lambert, 27-year-old Lappin has just about seen it all.

He played more games than anyone else in the season just ended, clocking up 50 appearances - missing just two league matches and only four in all competitions.

“It's been great. I've got a huge debt of gratitude to the manager and the staff for keeping me in the side,” said Lappin after the City players arrived at Norwich Castle for their civic reception.

“Maybe if I've not played well, they've stuck by me and I've thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of it.

“I said at the start of the season when I signed my contract I wanted to play every minute of every game.

“Once you say that it normally doesn't happen but I've not been far off it. I think tonight is just the culmination of a fantastic season.”

Lappin was in St Mirren's Scottish Division One championship side of 2005-06, but admitted there were times when he thought he would never experience a night like Thursday's parade with Norwich.

“Yes, definitely. It's worth the wait, I tell you that. It was absolutely incredible,” he said. “It's something that will live with the boys for the rest of their lives.

“Some people play their whole careers and never win a thing so you've just got to make sure you enjoy every single minute of it. We've done that - now we're all looking forward to next season.”

Unlike many of his team-mates, Lappin has experienced Championship football with City - playing 34 league games in his first 2� seasons in England.

“It will be very, very tough but it's something we're all looking forward to. It's not something we're going into with any kind of fear or trepidation at all,” he said.

“We know we're going to have to prepare right and the manager will no doubt strengthen the squad.”

Meanwhile, Lappin has received congratulations from far and near since City gained promotion and became champions.

He said: “I've had messages from different friends and family and people I've played with. They've sent their good wishes and I really appreciate that. It's a great moment - it's something that might never happen again so you've got to enjoy every moment.”