Former Norwich City striker Robert Earnshaw has paid tribute to Delia Smith for lifting his spirits with a "get well" gift during his long injury lay-off last season.

Former Norwich City striker Robert Earnshaw has paid tribute to Delia Smith for lifting his spirits with a "get well" gift during his long injury lay-off last season.

The 26-year-old Wales international, who made a swift exit from Carrow Road in a £3.5m move to Derby 10 days ago, said City's joint majority shareholder sent him a parcel during his three-month spell on the sidelines after a groin operation.

The cookery queen's message summed up the friendly environment at Norwich, he said. "I didn't want to leave Norwich because it is a great family club.

"Not only will I miss Delia Smith's cooking, but she sent me a football book when I was injured," said Earnshaw.

"I was really down when the post came and there was a parcel on my mat. Normally I just get bills and I wondered what it was - it turned out to be a book from Delia with a message inside saying 'Get well soon'. That typified the atmosphere at Carrow Road.

"Even so, I would have moved anywhere in the Premiership because I knew it would have a positive effect on my career.

"All I want is a proper Premier League crack to prove to everyone that I'm good enough to belong at this level."

Earnshaw reckons his 18 months with the Canaries played a huge part in improving his game.

He said: "My time at Norwich played a massive part in my development as a complete striker because I played up front on my own. I had to hold the ball up, run down the channels, link play and score goals - it was a great learning curve."

And he said his previous Premiership experience with West Bromwich Albion would stand him in good stead at Pride Park.

"I know what to expect this time because I've been there before," said Earnshaw.

"I'm determined to take my chance as, you never know, it could be my last.

"I have to admit when I was injured in January and needed an operation on my groin I thought then that could destroy my hopes of a move to the Premiership.

"I feared I'd become the forgotten man. But my 17 goals for Norwich up until then was enough."