Johannes Hoff Thorup has admitted life on the sidelines has been difficult for Norwich City skipper Grant Hanley.

The 32-year-old hasn't started a Championship game since the opening day defeat to Oxford United in August, forced to watch on largely from the substitutes' bench as the Canaries' new era has unfolded.

His head coach knows it's been trying for Hanley, but says he's still a key component of his Carrow Road plan.

"He's a big part in terms of leadership because he's a great person," Thorup told the Pink Un of his captain. "He's really, really good for the club and for the environment that we have here. He's a great leader in terms of that.

"But I think it's fair to say that it's tough for him to be out of the team, and I think there are two ways to look at it. He also sees two players performing on a good level, so he can see it will maybe not be overnight that he'll be back in the team.

"There's also his history at this club, where he's been here for so many years and done so well for the club, so of course that can be a different situation to be in.

"He's doing everything he can, and I think he's great for the team also on game days, where he's doing everything he can to support his team-mates. But from a playing perspective it's difficult for him."

Hanley will hope to feature when Scotland take on Poland tomorrow, as he looks for rare game time on international duty. Thorup has revealed that his charge's performances with the Tartan Army are being used at Colney to help him improve, alongside other measures to keep him involved.

"We try to do our best," the Dane continued. "I spoke to him the other day and said the situation is as it is and I have chosen two other players for the moment. That can change, of course, but there are no guarantees and it could also continue like this for a big part of the season, you never know.

"I know that (assistant head coach) Glen (Riddersholm) and Grant are talking a lot, and I know that Glen is giving him feedback on his performances. What we can use at the moment are his Scotland performances, and I know they went through some details from the games he played for Scotland.

"So we'll still try everything we can to keep him as sharp as possible, to give him feedback and to make sure that he feels that he is a big part of the team. That's important."