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Russell Martin says Norwich deserve credit for backing Daniel Farke

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Former Norwich player Russell Martin says the Canaries have been the best team in the Championship this season

Former Norwich player Russell Martin thinks they are capable of performing well in the Premier League next season.

Martin hopes the club stick with the nucleus of the squad who have performed so well during the current campaign.

Daniel Farke's side clinched promotion with a game to spare when they beat Blackburn 2-1 on Saturday night - and need a draw at Aston Villa next week to clinch the title.

Martin - who is now with MK Dons - told Sky Sports: "They had a real strategy, they stuck to it, and it has paid off.

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Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship match between Norwich and Blackburn.

"They have been the best team - the football they have played has been brilliant to watch.

"They have goals from everywhere and the two young full-backs (Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis) have been outstanding."

Regarding Norwich's prospects for next season, Martin said: "I hope they give the nucleus of this group the chance to prove themselves.

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"Whenever teams get to the Premier League, there is always a rush and a clamour for new players, and to spend a lot of money - but it does not always work.

Norwich manager Daniel Farke
Image: Daniel Farke has guided Norwich back into the top flight

"I hope those boys who got them into the Premier League get a chance to show their worth. A lot of them were unproven in the Championship and they have done fantastically well.

"I think if they stick with that group, and with the spirit and togetherness, and connection with the fans, they will go up and do really well."

Norwich finished 14th in the Championship last season, winning just 15 of their 46 matches, and Martin thinks the club have been rewarded for keeping faith with head coach Farke.

He said: "I think real credit has to go to (sporting director) Stewart Webber and the board for their patience - they brought Daniel in, at the start of last season, and stuck with him last year.

"In this day and age, I think it would have been easy to get rid of someone after finishing 14th, with a fanbase that probably expected a bit more.

"But they stuck with him and showed patience - and so it has been a real team effort."

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