Following their relegation last year, Norwich will be aiming to bounce straight back up to the Premier League next year.

Norwich have a core of players in their squad who have seen out numerous promotions and relegations over the past few years.

They have stuck by Alex Neil who guided the Canaries to promotion two years ago, and they are hoping that the Scot can replicate that feat next season.

Norwich have a very talented squad and you expect them to be competing at the top of the second tier again next year. There is a good mixture of experience and youth; long-serving stalwarts and new exciting prospects.

The Championship - however - could well be the most competitive it has ever been next year with the large amounts of money being spent and the calibre of the clubs and players in the league.

But with this XI, Norwich will surely be right up there with the rest......

 

GK: John Ruddy

Despite a spell of shaky form last season, Ruddy should retain his place as Norwich's number one next season.

The once-capped England international has played over 200 league games for Norwich since moving from Everton in 2010, and has established his place at Carrow Road.

The 29-year-old just pips Declan Rudd to the starting spot between the sticks.

 

RB: Michal Pazdan

One of Poland's top performers in this summer's European Championships, Michal Pazdan could leave Legia Warsaw during this transfer window.

The 28-year-old has plied his trade in his native country for the entirety of his career and has made 22 appearances for Poland.

Pazdan can also play in defensive midfield and is very competent going forwards and defensively.

He would be a solid addition to a promotion-chasing Norwich side.

CB: Russell Martin

Captain Russell Martin can operate at right back or at centre back but has been selected in the middle of the defence here.

The Scotland international is a true leader at the back and has played over 250 games for the Canaries during his time at Carrow Road.

The 30-year-old is preferred to Sebastien Bassong in this team, because he provides a bit more consistency at the back and is well liked by the fans.

 

CB: Timm Klose

Norwich will do well to keep Timm Klose at the club this summer as he is too good for the Championship.

But he seems settled and his high price tag might put potential suitors off a move for him.

His nine appearances for Norwich shored up their leaky defence before he was injured in a challenge with Dwight Gayle and ruled out for the season.

At 6'4'', the 28-year-old is a threat at both ends of the pitch.

The towering centre half has 12 caps for Switzerland and was playing for Wolfsburg before switching to Norwich last January for an undisclosed fee reportedly in the region of £9m.

 

LB: Martin Olsson

Martin Olsson will be another player that Norwich will be hoping to keep at the club. He has recently been strongly linked to Turkish giants Besiktas, so they will need to fend off interest from there to keep him at Carrow Road.

The 28-year-old has played over 100 league games for Norwich since his arrival from Blackburn in 2013.

He is renowned for his attacking threat and crossing ability which provides a real danger on the overlap.

The Sweden international would be one of Norwich's star players if he stays at the club for their Championship campaign.

 

RM: Wes Hoolahan 

34-year-old Wes Hoolahan still plays with natural flair and attacking prowess which can terrorise defences despite his age.

He played a big role in Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 campaign and will return to Norwich for another season in the Championship.

The 5'6'' attacking midfielder will cut in from the right and use his left foot to produce some quality balls into the box so the Norwich striker can expect good service.

The "Irish Messi" has played over 250 league games for Norwich and continues to be a consistent performer for the Canaries.

They have a wealth of alternative options for this highly competitive wide midfield spot, such as Josh Murphy, Jacob Murphy, Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe and Matt Jarvis so Hoolahan will have to be at the top of his game to keep the starting spot.

 

CM: Jonny Howson

Jonny Howson is another long-serving player that makes this starting line-up.

The box-to-box central midfielder was one of their best performers in a disappointing Premier League campaign last year so he should shine in the second tier.

Howson started his career at boyhood club Leeds, where he made just shy of 200 appearances before switching to Norwich in 2012.

Since his transfer, he has made 136 league appearances for the Canaries and has been a regular and consistent performer.

The England under-21 international is expected to stay at Norwich next season, and be a starter that Alex Neil can rely on for consistency and quality in the middle of the park.

Howson can contribute both defensively and with attacks.

 

CM: Graham Dorrans

Finding Jonny Howson's partner in central midfield was a difficult task and will be a dilemma that Alex Neil has to face.

A good dilemma though.

Graham Dorrans just beats Alexander Tettey and Youssouf Mulumbu to the second central midfield spot but all three will be more than comfortable starting in a top Championship side.

Dorrans is a combative central midfielder who is comfortable with both defensive and attacking duties in midfield.

The Scotland international started his career at Livingston  but moved to West Brom in 2008, where he spent 7 years.

The 29-year-old played 17 games last year for Norwich but will be looking for more game time in the upcoming season.

 

LM: Steven Naismith

Steven Naismith announcing his desire to stay at the club has provided Norwich with a huge boost ahead of their Championship campaign.

The Scotland international will be their star player next season and can operate from the wing, in the centre of attacking midfield and up front.

Naismith is a hardworking, skilful player who produces chances and scores goals. He is definitely Premier League standard so will probably be a class above in the Championship.

The 29-year-old signed from Everton in January but injury hampered his season and he only managed 11 games for the Canaries.

He will be looking to kick on next year and get the goals and assists to fire Norwich back to the Premier League.

 

CAM: Robbie Brady

Robbie Brady was one of the surprise stars of Euro 2016.

His headed winner against Italy was enough to see the Republic of Ireland through to the knockout stages and his early penalty against France momentarily had Irish fans dreaming of an upset before they eventually lost 2-1.

Brady thrived in the central attacking midfield role just behind the striker so could be deployed there for Norwich again this season.

The versatile 24-year-old can also play on the wing or at left back and has been subject to interest from Premier League duo Leicester and West Ham.

Norwich, however, have valued him at £20m so a deal seems unlikely for the pair - who are both preparing for European football next year.

Young James Maddison, who shone for Coventry City last year, will be waiting in the wings for a chance in this position too so Brady will have to keep performing.

ST: Dieumerci Mbokani 

Norwich need to sign a striker with Kyle Lafferty and Ricky Van Wolfswinkel set to leave and Cameron Jerome being inconsistent.

There have been rumours linking Norwich with a £7m move for Britt Assombalonga which could prove to be a good move if he can stay fit.

But they should look to secure the permanent services of Dieumerci Mbokani.

The 30-year-old striker impressed during a loan stint at Carrow Road last year and is now a free agent following his release from Dynamo Kiev.

The former DR Congo international might want to move back to Norwich although it remains to be seen whether he would be happy to play in the second tier.

If they could get the powerful forward - who scored 7 times for Norwich last year - then they have a top striker to lead the line and score the goals to send Norwich back to the Premier League.