Norwich manager Nigel Worthington gave fans an early Christmas present by signing a one-year extension to his contract through to 2006.

Now the former Northern Ireland international wants to make it a happy New Year for Canaries supporters as well by keeping hold of a crop of young stars as they push for promotion.

Goalkeeper Robert Green, defenders Darren Kenton and Adam Drury and leading marksman Paul McVeigh are all highly rated.

Some of the Premiership giants are likely to be sniffing around the corridors of Carrow Road in January when they can start buying players again, but Worthington said: "This club is in a good position. It is in debt but has got a lot of assets.

"We are not in dire straits where we have got to sell. I am here to try to build a team. I've got some very good young players and I've not got the biggest squad, so I wouldn't want to lose anyone."

Norwich also face Grimsby and Gillingham away in the League before Albion return in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday week.

Worthington said: "It's those sorts of periods of games that make or break a season and I thank God that the two games are at home."

No wonder Worthington feels that way. Last Saturday's 2-1 win against Walsall was Norwich's fourth in a row at their home fortress and sixth in the last eight, the other two ending in draws.

Their only League defeat at Carrow Road was against Sheffield United at the start of September and they have the best defensive home record in the First Division, with just five goals conceded in 12 games.

That is in contrast to five straight away defeats. Their success at Withdean in August was one of only three on the road, which explains why they are on target for the play-offs once more instead of automatic promotion back to the Premiership. Walsall made them work hard for the points. An own goal by Clint Easton, on target at the right end at Withdean, gifted the visitors the lead early in the second half.

A header from a corner by sturdy stopper Malky Mackay, followed by a 20-yard free-kick by midfielder Phil Mulryne, continued the Canaries' chirpy home record.

Playmaker Mulryne, signed from Manchester United, is a Northern Ireland international. Alongside him in the centre of the park is the industrious Gary Holt, who was outstanding last season after arriving from Kilmarnock.

The right-sided Mark Rivers is dangerous on his day and McVeigh forms a potent little and large partnership up front with gap-toothed Welsh international and captain Iwan Roberts.

Versatile defender Steen Nedergaard missed the Walsall match through injury and fellow Dane David Nielsen, a forward from Wimbledon, had to settle for a seat on the bench.