Robert Earnshaw is looking forward to a rest - before he unleashes his explosive power on the Championship next season. The 24-year-old's summer break has been put on hold because of international duty with Wales, but the diminutive frontman can't wait to put his feet up.

By CHRIS LAKEY

Robert Earnshaw is looking forward to a rest - before he unleashes his explosive power on the Championship next season.

The 24-year-old's summer break has been put on hold because of international duty with Wales, but the diminutive frontman can't wait to put his feet up.

“Sometimes a rest is just as good as playing games, especially over the summer,” said Earnshaw, who made a big impression at Carrow Road after his January move from West Brom.

“Sometimes a rest helps you to get focused. That is a big thing in football - sometimes you just need to get away from it all so when you come back your mind is refreshed and you can get back to doing the thing you love.”

Earnshaw had spent the first half of last season kicking his heels on the bench at West Brom, making just seven starts, but was quickly in the action at Carrow Road, featuring in every match after his transfer.

He finished the season with eight goals in just 13 starts for Norwich and could yet prove to be a snip at just over £3m.

Goals are his game and he came close to adding to his international tally in Wales' friendly win over a Basque XI at the weekend when only goalkeeper Inaki Lafuente stood between him and his 10th goal for his country.

“On another day I could have had a hat-trick,” said Earnshaw, who saw a header flash over the bar and two shots brilliantly saved before the half-time break.

“But I will take that. I like playing for Wales and playing with that group of lads too. I'm playing up front with Craig Bellamy and you know that chances are going to come your way.”

Earnshaw - as well as City team-mate Carl Robinson - is likely to be in action for coach John Toshack's team against Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday in the Austrian city of Graz but after that it's Wales' Euro 2008 qualifiers in September.