Midfielder Jason Jarrett will have to be content with a seat in the stands at Preston on Saturday because of an agreement that says he cannot play against Norwich while on loan at Deepdale.

By CHRIS LAKEY

Midfielder Jason Jarrett will have to be content with a seat in the stands at Preston on Saturday because of an agreement that says he cannot play against Norwich while on loan at Deepdale.

The gentleman's agreement was made when Jarrett left for Preston at the beginning of March - although Preston have been double-checking the small print.

“As far as I know I can't play,” said Jarrett yesterday. “We were trying to sort it out, but I don't think we've been able to.

“It's disappointing. I didn't think there would be a major problem with it, but Norwich don't want me to play.

“It would just be nice to play a game of football, to be fair. Obviously I am good friends with the lads at Norwich, but at the moment the only thing on my mind is to keep Preston in the play-off positions.”

It means Jarrett will watch from a distance, knowing that he is missing the chance to prove a point to two managers, City's Nigel Worthington and Preston's Billy Davies.

It was Worthington who brought him to Carrow Road last summer when his Wigan contract expired but, while much was expected of the 26-year-old, his time at Norwich has been far from successful and he was sent on loan to Plymouth over the Christmas period and then to Preston.

Where his future lies when the summer comes round Jarrett isn't sure, although while Worthington has been disappointed by Jarrett, Davies has clearly been impressed, as was Plymouth manager Tony Pulis.

“I am still contracted to Norwich. We will have to review it at the end of the season and see where we stand,” said Jarrett.

“At the moment it's very difficult being at Norwich when I am not playing. I was not getting the opportunity there and it wasn't enjoyable.

“It is frustrating for me because I believe I am a good player. I have proved myself in the past, I played in the Wigan team that earned promotion, but my situation now is just one of those things. Obviously, my face doesn't fit.

“At the moment it's just good to go and play football. I didn't get that opportunity at Norwich. It's unfortunate that Norwich fans did not really get the chance to see what I can do.”

The Lancastrian has made a total of 15 appearances for the Canaries, without troubling the scoreboard and what is likely to have been his final game for the club came as a late substitute in the 4-0 defeat at Reading on January 31.

However, Jarrett refused to describe his move to Norwich as a mistake.

“I wouldn't use that word,” he said. “Sometimes things just don't work out. But it doesn't make me a bad player and it doesn't make Nigel Worthington a bad manager. He doesn't see me in his plans and other team do.”

Jarrett disappointing season may well end on a high note, with a play-off spot looking likely.

“There's an eight-point gap between us and Wolves and we don't want to let that slip because it's not secure yet,” he said. “I always expected Preston to be up there in the play-offs. Last season they were beaten in the final so it's no big surprise.”