Michael Bailey South Africa failed to make much of an impression at the recent African Cup of Nations in Ghana, and one Canary is hoping he will get the chance to show what they were missing.

Michael Bailey

South Africa failed to make much of an impression at the recent African Cup of Nations in Ghana, and one Canary is hoping he will get the chance to show what they were missing.

Midfielder Matty Pattison, who was born in Johannesburg, had to make do with watching the continent's championships in Norfolk on the small screen, despite hopes he would make their squad, which finished bottom of Group D and failed to register a win.

However, the tough tackling 21-year-old is determined to make sure he puts himself in the frame for the 2010 World Cup, which is being hosted by South Africa.

"Obviously South Africa didn't do very well, but I was keeping my eye on them," said Roeder's only permanent signing.

"I was hoping I was going to be there. I was hoping to get into the squad for the African Nations, but it didn't work out. I don't know why, but I will obviously keep my eye on them for the World Cup in 2010.

"I just need to keep playing for Norwich, keep playing well, keep playing regularly and hopefully I'll get a shot."

It has been a tricky few weeks for the left-footer since he completed his £350,000 move from Newcastle United in January, with Pattison's last start coming in the FA Cup third round replay defeat at Bury, although the midfielder, pictured, did get 30 minutes under his belt against Hull City on Tuesday night.

"Yeah it was good, I enjoyed it," said Pattison, who received a big cheer from the sell-out Carrow Road crowd when he was introduced on Tuesday night - something not lost on the former Newcastle star.

"I do appreciate that. I'd like to be starting, but there's still time. I've got a long time here yet, so I just hope to keep my head down and start playing a lot more games.

"It's a little bit frustrating lately obviously, because I haven't been playing. But since I've been suspended, the team has been doing really well so I can't complain really. I've just got to keep my head down, keep playing hard and hopefully I'll get back in."