Josip Drmic is in competition with Teemu Pukki for a first team place at Norwich City but says he is delighted with how the Finn has started the new Premier League season.

Pukki took the Championship by storm last season, his 29 goals instrumental in Daniel Farke’s side winning the title and promotion back to the top flight. While Drmic has been forced to watch from the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, the Finn has continued where he left off, scoring in each of the Canaries’ three games so far this campaign, including a hat-trick in the win over Newcastle.

Drmic, who signed in the summer from Borussia Monchengladbach, was involved in pre-season, scoring a hat-trick against Luton but his fitness issues have limited his playing time since, coming on as a late substitute against Liverpool but not being involved in the last two games.

When he does return to action he will be in competition with Pukki for a starting place but says he is delighted with the former Celtic man’s start to the season and is not surprised the goals have continued to flow. He said: “He is one of Norwich’s best players and he works very hard. He does everything for the team and has really shown his quality – I hope he continues that way.

“I do not see him as an opponent or a competitor. He knows all about switching to English football from the Bundesliga so has been a big help for me.” Drmic says he is ready to return for the Canaries when called upon, adding: “I feel fit, I feel healthy and should be fully ready this week, I can train and I can play, but we just have had to be careful.”

Norwich are away at West Ham at the weekend and are 3.60 for the win with the Hammers 1.95 and the draw 3.80. Pukki is at 17.00 to be the top goalscorer in the league this season with Tottenham’s Harry Kane 4.33.