DAVID CUFFLEY Gary Doherty has eight more games this season in which to end his City goal drought - and silence central defensive partner Jason Shackell. Last season's player of the year has not found the net since the 2-1 win over Hull City at Carrow Road 18 months ago.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Gary Doherty has eight more games this season in which to end his City goal drought - and silence central defensive partner

Jason Shackell.

Last season's player of the year has not found the net since the 2-1 win over Hull City at Carrow Road 18 months ago.

Fellow centre-half Shackell, however, finally broke his duck this season by scoring in successive away games against Preston and Luton.

Doherty, 27, said he would be working hard on making his presence count from corners and free-kicks - starting with Saturday's trip to Colchester.

“Hull at home last season was the last time I scored, so that's obviously disappointing,” Doherty told the club's official website. “It's something I'd like to add to my game.

“Shacks has started to get a few goals, so he's letting me know in training that he's scoring and I'm not so I'll have to try and get one on Saturday if selected.”

The Canaries go to Layer Road looking to record a third successive clean sheet for the first time this season, after 1-0 home wins over Birmingham and Stoke ended a run of 14 games without a shut-out.

Doherty said the back four had benefited from an extended run of games together, with he and Shackell forming a decent partnership.

“With the whole back four and the 'keeper, if you're playing regularly you are always going to get a bit of continuity going, and that's the main thing, especially in defensive positions,” he said.