RICK WAGHORN City full-back Adam Drury is promising to hold a few hands and steel a few young hearts as the Canaries prepare to give youth its chance over the last four games of the season.

RICK WAGHORN

City full-back Adam Drury is promising to hold a few hands and steel a few young hearts as the Canaries prepare to give youth its chance over the last four games of the season.

For while much may yet depend on events at Hillsborough today, come Easter Monday's home clash with Queen's Park Rangers (3pm) there is every chance that someone of Michael Spillane's ilk could be thrown into the Championship deep end.

As one of the 'old men' of the team, 27-year-old Drury is determined that the next generation of Norwich stars learn to swim as opposed to sinking without trace in the midst of their first real taste of senior competitive football.

"It's all about keeping their confidence up - you don't want to destroy a young player," said Drury, as he recalled his own teenage debut after progressing through the youth ranks at Peterborough.

"I can still remember the day I made my debut - away at Watford. And, of course, you're very nervous. And when you first get into the side you need the experienced pros to help you bed in.

"And I was very lucky. People might not remember them now, but when I made my debut for Peterborough there were the likes of Ken Charlery up front, Steve Castle in midfield and Adrian Boothroyd to talk you through it.

"I remember Adie was very good. That's eight years ago now - wow, that does make me an old man!"

With Rossi Jarvis absent on international duty as the younger of the two Fakenham-born prospects makes his debut for the England Under-18s against Slovenia, all eyes are likely to be on Republic of Ireland Under-17 international Spillane as City boss Nigel Worthington gives Norwich's long-suffering supporters a taste of what may be to come before this miserable season ends.

Drury is the first to admit that the 2005-2006 season has not been one for the scrapbook.

"It's been a disappointing season - all we can do now is to try and win as many games as we can."

And try, says the popular full-back, to put on a show; try and put a few smiles on people's faces before everyone heads off for the beach this summer.

"That's what we've got to look to do - put on a good performance," said Drury, well aware that those have been in short supply this season. "For me, I don't think we've put in what I'd call a complete performance all season - not for the full 90 minutes."

Certain to face late fitness tests are Leon McKenzie and Paul McVeigh, both of whom have struggled of late with back injuries.

In their absence it would certainly allow Rossi's elder brother, Ryan, the chance to stake his claim to a place.