Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has expressed the importance of his side being able to retain their status as a Premier League club this season.

As it stands, the Canaries are 12th in the standings and have an eight-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.

"In the end, there is only one thing that matters and that is come the last game of the season, we're still in this division, we've got enough points to still be in it," Hughton is quoted as saying by the Eastern Daily Press. "It's difficult. The teams that can be that consistent are the teams that are used to this division, have the quality and are regular members of the division.

"We're still striving to be that and along the road with that come the inconsistencies. The spirit has never been lacking. It has been there all season.

"This is a tough league to get wins and if I look how we play, we play a tighter game and perhaps it is difficult to get the wins we want."

Next up for Hughton's team is a trip to league leaders Manchester United on Saturday afternoon.