Former Norwich City striker Ian Henderson has admitted that he needed to get away from the Canaries for the good of his career. The 22-year-old was one of five players released in a clearout by manager Peter Grant last week but Henderson believes it is time for him to develop as a player away from the familiar surroundings of Colney.

Former Norwich City striker Ian Henderson has admitted that he needed to get away from the Canaries for the good of his career.

The 22-year-old was one of five players released in a clearout by manager Peter Grant last week but Henderson believes it is time for him to develop as a player away from the familiar surroundings of Colney.

“I thought that to develop that I may have to move on,” he said. “I've had a lot of injuries in my time with Norwich and this has meant I haven't been able to develop as much as I would have liked.

“Wherever I go next I will be the manager's player and obviously that's important as I know then he will have full confidence in me.”

Henderson, who had been on loan at Rotherham since January, insists he has no hard feelings over being released by City and is now fully focused on finding a new club for next season.

“Peter Grant has his own players that he wants and I wasn't one of them. That's just football for you really and you have to get over a few disappointments along the way.

“Of course I'm sad to be leaving. This is my 13th year at Norwich and I have built up some great friendships with a number of people at the club. I can't say anything bad about Norwich. They are the ones who have developed me as a professional footballer.”

Henderson has been linked with several clubs including Luton Town and Nottingham Forest but the striker insisted he has not spoken to any clubs yet and is keeping his options open as much as he can.

It is understood that Rotherham manager Mark Robins could also look to broker a deal for Henderson, despite the striker getting on the scoresheet just once in his 18 appearances at Millmoor.

“I have spoken to my agent but first I'm going to go away on holiday so I can fully focus on finding a club when I come back.

“I'm going to keep all avenues open for the moment as I need to keep my options open as much as I can.”

Henderson said he has enjoyed his loan spell at Rotherham and would be happy to make the move to Millmoor as long as he is getting into the first team on a regular basis.

“I have enjoyed my time at Rotherham and I have always played with a smile on my face.

“I would like to thank Alan Knill for bringing me here on loan and also to Mark Robins for keeping faith with me. I would be happy to play at any level as long as I am playing week in and week out.”