Hughton joy with season end

Norwich boss Chris Hughton was delighted with his side's end to the season as they beat Manchester City 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium.

The Canaries struck through Anthony Pilkington, Grant Holt and Jonny Howson and were good value for their victory despite two excellent equalisers for Jack Rodwell.

The victory lifted Hughton's men into 11th place in the table and a satisfactory finish after almost getting dragged into a Premier League relegation fight.

Hughton said: "I'm absolutely delighted with that. It shows, irrespective of the anxiety at certain periods, it is really about where you finish at the end of the season. We are delighted to have done that.

"We had a very good spell before Christmas, where we were excellent. We found it difficult after Christmas to get the wins we needed and the formulas but we have finished the season strong.

"It would have been nice to be a bit more consistent right the way through but I am delighted to have finished where we have done.

"Even up until a couple of months ago, when we were having a difficult spell, most people couldn't see us finishing in 11th place but that is the league.

"It is about getting the results when you can and hitting good form when you can."

Hughton added that player of the season Sebastien Bassong missed the match as a precautionary measure and would have played had more been at stake.

He also suggested Pilkington, who was withdrawn nine minutes from time, could be doubtful for the Republic of Ireland's upcoming friendlies and World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands.

Hughton said: "He has to rest - he has a tendon injury that has hampered him a little bit of this season.

"We have to make sure we make the right decisions as regards him. He has come strong at the end of the season but it is certainly an injury he has to rest."

When asked if it might limit his international duty, with Ireland also due to play England, Georgia and Spain, Hughton said: "We will see, we will be in conversations with them."