NORWICH City were up against it from day one in the Premiership.

But if Nigel Worthington's side - who arrive at the Reebok for a Saturday teatime Sky TV clash - are going to attempt a comeback of epic proportions, their £3 million record signing Dean Ashton is bound to have a major role.

The former Crewe striker was snapped up by Worthington just after Christmas to boost his goal-shy attack, and although plaudits did not arrive at first, the 22-year-old's recent performances have earned rave reviews.

"Number one, Dean Ashton was brought here because he's a good player," said Worthington. "Number two, having now worked with him, I know he's an even better player than we thought."

The Canaries lie six points adrift of safety after a season which, so far, has seen them win many friends with their fast, attacking brand of football, but few points.

But former Northern Ireland international Worthington is adamant his side can turn things around.

He said: "It's all about mental strength - no doubt about that," said Worthington. "We've just got to keep performing to a level, keep strong, keep honest and keep going.

"If we do that, keep playing to the best of our ability, then at the end of the day there's not going to be too many questions asked.

"But we have to defend better as a team and stop conceding soft goals."

One of Norwich's three victories so far this season came against Wanderers back in December, when Sam Allardyce's men were hitting the peak of their poor pre-Christmas form.

Mattais Svensson scored twice and Darren Huckerby added one from the spot to cancel out Jay Jay Okocha's penalty and a Fernando Hierro effort.

Former Wanderers defender Simon Charlton was involved that night, but is unlikely to face his old club once more after falling out of favour with Worthington in recent games.

But one man who is looking to force his way back into the Canaries side is Swedish international Matias Jonson, who despite having 44 international caps, has failed to set the world alight since signing in the summer.

After drawing a blank in 24 first-team games, Jonson finally broke his duck in English football on Wednesday night when he netted a last minute winner for the reserves against Watford.

Jonson now wants to score a goal when it really matters - and is hoping to get the chance to do just that when City return to Premiership action at Bolton next week.

"It was my first goal in a Norwich City shirt so it was very important for me," said the 31-year-old frontman as he reflected on his close-range header.

"Now I'd like to score for the first team as well, that goes without saying."