Chris Lakey Rhoys Wiggins has his eyes on Adam Drury's place in Norwich City's first team squad after taking the biggest step yet on his way back to full fitness yesterday.

Chris Lakey

Rhoys Wiggins has his eyes on Adam Drury's place in Norwich City's first team squad after taking the biggest step yet on his way back to full fitness yesterday.

The 21-year-old made his first City appearance when he came on for the final half hour of the reserve team's 5-2 defeat at Peterborough.

The next step is to increase his participation until he's fully fit - and then it's time to target one of City's most consistent performers, the long-serving Drury.

Drury has been a league ever-present this season - although his departure at MK Dons on Monday after just 26 minutes could make him a doubt for Saturday's home game against Charlton - but Wiggins is determined to give him more than a run for his money.

“He's a good player,” said Wiggins, “I knew that before I came here. It's good for me because I can learn from him, but I am not here to sit in the reserves.

“I want to be playing so it's a good challenge and I'm looking forward to it.”

Wiggins was signed by former boss Bryan Gunn in the summer from Crystal Palace, but went straight into the physio's room to continue his rehab after a knee operation at the end of last season.

It's been a long road, but Wiggins says he can finally light at the end of the tunnel.

“I'm a happy man after that,” he said. “Even though it was only 30 minutes it was nice to get a run-out.

“I've been looking forward to that ever since I got here. I've been working hard with the physios and they've been working hard with me as well so it's a good achievement to get back out there and playing.

“Touch wood I'm feeling good now and feeling quite fit as well. A big part of my game is to try and get forward and support the attacks so I need to be ready.”

Wiggins' return to action has come later than expected, but the Wales Under-21 international says there was nothing sinister in the delay.

“With Adam (Drury) doing well and staying fit there was no real rush for me to come back,” he said.

“That's why it is good in a way in that it has given me a chance to make sure that I am strong and fit. “We've just been taking our time to make sure I don't keep coming in and picking up other little injuries.

“It's been a case of making sure my body is 100 per cent and on that front it's been good.

“The plan now is that, hopefully I will get maybe 60 minutes next time and then after that just keep going and progressing to full games and hopefully if I can perform well I get in the squad and we will see how it goes.”

And that's where Drury comes in - or goes out, depending on manager Paul Lambert's preference.