David Cuffley Defender Michael Rose has set his heart on a permanent move to Norwich City - and believes it would mean playing Championship football next season.The 27-year-old full-back, on loan from Stockport County until the end of the season, was expected to make his seventh appearance for the Canaries at home to former club Yeovil Town this afternoon.

David Cuffley

Defender Michael Rose has set his heart on a permanent move to Norwich City - and believes it would mean playing Championship football next season.

The 27-year-old full-back, on loan from Stockport County until the end of the season, was expected to make his seventh appearance for the Canaries at home to former club Yeovil Town this afternoon.

And after contributing to four wins in six matches for the League One leaders, including a goal on his debut against Hartlepool, life at Carrow Road is certainly growing on Rose, who hopes to make his switch a full-time one in the summer.

Bottom-of-the-table Stockport are preoccupied with their own uncertain future, but Rose said: “I'm hoping for a permanent deal. Things going on at Stockport are the stumbling block, really, because nobody know what's happening with the club, whether it's going to be bought, whether it's the end of the club or whatever.

“It's just a case of ironing out a few details and I hope it will become permanent.”

Defeats by Millwall and Southampton put a brake on City's relentless march at the top of the table, but with a five-point lead this morning going into the final 12 matches, Rose is confident they will finish the job and clinch promotion.

He said: “It has been a bit up and down but we've won the past couple and I think we're ready to drive it on to the end of the season.

“Every game is important now, we're leading the pack, and it's up to us to drive on and let them chase us.

“There are a few experienced players here and they know what it's going to take for us to win the league. I think with the ability in the squad, we've got a really good chance.”

Rose's arrival followed Adam Drury's latest stroke of bad luck when the long-serving left-back was sidelined by a thigh injury he suffered in the 2-1 win at Walsall in January. But with Drury back in training, the new recruit knows he faces a battle to keep his place.

He said: “There is pressure all over the pitch. 'Ads' is back training now and as soon as he gets a few training sessions under his belt and gets back a bit of fitness, we'll be competing for the left-back spot. There is competition for places everywhere, which is good for the club.”

Rose made 48 appearances in two seasons at Yeovil but, nearly four years after leaving the club, was not expecting to see many familiar faces today.

He said: “There are not a lot of players who were there when I was there. I know Arron Davies has gone back and I played with Terry Skiverton, the manager.

“But we haven't got to worry about them, as long as we play well enough.

“If we're on our game and playing well, I don't think anyone will touch us. It's up to us to keep that mentality.”