Cureton first played for the Canaries in 1994

Norwich City striker Jamie Cureton has spoken of his disappointment at not being part of the Canaries' promotion to the Championship.

The 34-year-old, whose contract is up at the end of the season, has been on loan with League Two side Shrewsbury.

Cureton told BBC Radio Norfolk: "When something has been achieved and you were not part of the team, it leaves you disappointed.

"The lads have done well and I'm pleased for them," he added.

Following Bryan Gunn's departure as manager after just three games of the season, new boss Paul Lambert turned to Cureton to kick-start the Canaries' league campaign.

I still keep in contact with everyone at Norwich and I'm just pleased they've managed to achieve promotion Jamie Cureton

The former Colchester boss was rumoured to have tried to sign the striker while in charge of the U's.

"When he came in [Lambert] he put me straight in the team and I felt like I had a chance but obviously it hasn't turned out that way," Cureton said.

"You're in people's plans sometimes and not at others - you have to get on with things, I'll move on and so will Norwich.

"You have to make big decisions and that's what makes good managers. On a personal level I still think I had something to offer and could have been used more."

With strikers Grant Holt and Chris Martin scoring frequently for their new boss, opportunities for Cureton became fewer, before he decided to go out on loan.

Cureton returned for another spell at Carrow Road in 2007

The former Swindon player joined League Two side Shrewsbury Town in February until the end of the current season.

"I still keep in contact with everyone at Norwich and I'm just pleased they've managed to achieve promotion.

"Being part of the promotion would have been great, even if it wasn't starting all the time, just being part of the side would have been great, but it wasn't to be."

Cureton has also had to start thinking about his future next season, with his contract at Carrow Road running out in the summer.

"I'll have to sit down and see what's about, weigh up my options and go somewhere I'm going to enjoy my football and be happy."

"I haven't spoken to the manager but I'd be very surprised if I was offered something especially because I haven't been involved this year.

"So I suppose in my head I've ruled that out."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version