Former Norwich striker Iwan Roberts has expressed his suprise at boss Glenn Roeder's decision not to offer Darren Huckerby a new deal at Carrow Road.

Huckerby was recently instructed by Roeder that he was free to begin looking for a new club after the end of the season.

Roberts feels that Norwich's loss will now be another club's gain and has backed Huckerby to prolong his career.

"I'm surprised," Roberts told the Eastern Daily Press. "What is he, 32? He's still a young man.

"I'm shocked and saddened by the fact the club hadn't really spoken to him. It must have been a worry, but I still felt they would offer him another year.

"He is one of those who has relied on his pace, that is his biggest asset, and maybe if that went then you would worry. But I still think he has that - I think Norwich's loss will be someone else's gain."