Doherty laments reliance on loans

Doherty joined Norwich in 2004 from Tottenham

Norwich City defender Gary Doherty says it is vital the club does not rely heavily on loan signings for their League One campaign.

The Canaries brought 17 different players in on short-term deals last season but ended up being relegated from the Championship.

Doherty, 29, told BBC Radio Norfolk: "We need long-term signings to boost the side's morale.

"It was really hard last season with players just coming for a month of so."

Manager Bryan Gunn has already made three permanent signings this summer.

Norfolk-born Matt Gill has joined the Carrow Road club after a switch from Exeter City while Wales under-21 international Owain Tudur Jones was signed from Swansea City.

And 29-year-old defender Michael Nelson joined the squad as a free agent after turning down a new deal with Hartlepool United.