Norwich City boss Chris Hughton says he had to shed fringe players this summer.

Leon Barnett, Andrew Surman and Grant Holt have all left in the past fortnight.

"We're always very appreciative of the players here who have done well for the club in the past," said Hughton. "But of course what we also have to do is over a period of time make the changes that we feel are necessary and try to make the improvements in the squad that we can.

"That inevitably means players moving on, but it always has to be for the right reasons.

"I have to be honest with those players and sometimes it is difficult to say what you feel all of the time but with Andrew he had an injury that stopped part of his involvement and he is at an age where he wants to play more often. As is Leon.

"Generally on most occasions it is about players' wanting to play. As much as they want to be part of things they might have an opportunity to go and play regularly elsewhere."