Ward joined Norwich from Coventry at the end of last season

Norwich City defender Elliott Ward says his side will use the international break to prepare for the last eight games of the Championship season.

City enter the 14-day period second in the table and unbeaten in eight games.

"This little break will help us out, it's been a tough schedule lately," Ward, 26, told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"We'll have a bit of training not leading to a game, so we can get ourselves ready, refresh the body and hopefully be right for the last eight."

The Canaries kept hold of their one-point advantage over third-placed Swansea with a 1-1 draw at Hull on Saturday.

Paul Lambert's side are back in action when they host relegation-threatened Scunthorpe on 2 April.

There'll be end-to-end stuff and it's all about having the composure and seeing it out Norwich City defender Elliott Ward

"Everyone's still playing for something, whether it's top six or making yourself safe in this league," added Ward.

"There'll be end-to-end stuff and it's all about having the composure and seeing it out.

"We showed mental strength against Hull to get a draw.

"We were ahead, maybe could have gone on to win, but after they scored they had a lot of the ball and we showed that mental strength and togetherness.

"We got the point and hopefully that will do us good for the last eight games."

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