Adam Brandon A Phoenix is a mythical bird that dies and then rises from the ashes, newly born. A canary is a very real bird that does just the same trick it seems.

Adam Brandon

A Phoenix is a mythical bird that dies and then rises from the ashes, newly born.

A canary is a very real bird that does just the same trick it seems. That was of course until last Saturday where that certain canary was mauled by some very hungry foxes.

This eternal canary I speak of was fed on a very solid defensive record featuring at its heart - Jason Shackell and Gary Doherty. Time I feel to give praise to two players I've always been very critical of, they have both looked very handy at this level in the last couple of months and my main worry is now our attack. Let's hope the Crisp Bowl defeat was just a blip.

Glenn Roeder's tactics have been very impressive and massive improvement on Worthington and Grant. Away from home we always create chances without looking in constant danger for 90 minutes. He has made the right subs at the right time and I have agreed with most of his team selections. Norwich have been a joy to watch at times to. When I compare the Charlton and QPR away games to the ones I watched at Barnsley and Palace, it's a remarkable transformation.

So what happens when your canary gets mauled by some very hungry foxes? A new canary rises once again from the ashes. How can this be achieved and another mauling avoided? Well Roeder needs to repeat the same tricks!

Like many Norwich fans I've spoken to, I think he needs to be careful with the Darren Huckerby situation.

Keiran Gibbs and James Henry looked well out of their depth on first impressions at this level; I hope they are quick learners for everybody's sake. Ryan Bertrand improved immensely I thought after his first couple of games and I like the look of Mo Camara at left back.

I still feel we could use Huckerby, if not as a starter than as an impact sub, after the great service he has given over the last few years; it would be a shame to end on a bum note.

From the situation we were in at one stage, we can't be too fussy where we finish this season. I think many heads have already started to turn towards the summer and how we can look to improve the squad which at the moment has a lot of players which probably won't be here. Dion and Hucks look certain not to be and they are going to be two massive losses to the squad.

Of the loanees I think Camara, Bertrand and Ched Evans are three loanees who have looked good enough for us at this level and I'd be hopeful of signing them.

Matthew Bates has already gone back with a bad injury; we haven't seen enough of the rest of them to judge really but their managers have said they are not for sale apparently. This leaves the squad looking weaker than it has done in years so we need to hope that Glenn has a few signings in mind and the board will give him appropriate backing.

Not long until player of the season is decided and I think three players will be in the running.

Darel Russell's all action performances in centre midfield have seen him arguably be our most consistent performer. Lee Croft has been excellent since Roeder has come in and hasn't had a bad game in months.

Finally, Dion Dublin has once again proven to be the bionic man and a true leader of men. I'm yet to decide and I hope all three make my decision as difficult in the run in.