Dimi Giannoulis says a return to action to help Norwich City in their quest for the Championship play-offs is fuelling his push for a return from injury.

The Greek international is sidelined with a hamstring issue and could be out until late April – missing a massive portion of their run-in.

Giannoulis has been a regular member of David Wagner’s squad this season but will have a watching brief whilst he steps up his recovery in the coming weeks to propel himself into a position to aid their promotion hopes.

The defender is one of a handful of City players currently sidelined by injury, but offered a positive update when speaking to the Pink Un after a signing session for supporters in the city centre on Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m getting better, to be honest. I’m going to need a few weeks more to see if I can play for the club for the last few games before the play-offs if we make it,” Giannoulis said.

“(To get injured) now is even more frustrating and I cannot wait to get back onto the pitch to help the team achieve our goals.

“It’s always difficult but now more so. It’s football and it’s our life – we know that we can get injured but I’m strong and I will be back soon. I want the team to make the play-offs, then I will be back to help them.

“It’s good to have someone like (Onel Hernandez) by your side but it’s not good for the team because he cannot play, Jonny Rowe as well, Grant (Hanley) is there. It’s not nice to see them there but you feel better having company.”

The Pink Un: Giannoulis is hoping to play his part in City's push for the top six. Giannoulis is hoping to play his part in City's push for the top six. (Image: Focus Images)

The focus for City has turned towards Saturday’s East Anglian derby against Ipswich – but Giannoulis is hoping the squad can strip back the layers of emotion connected with the game and show control throughout the contest.

“It was a defeat at Leicester, who are the best team in the league - we tried hard but didn’t make it,” he said. “Now it is the derby on Saturday and that is no more than three points for me to be honest.

“Yes, it is a derby, and it’s always nice to play in these games – the atmosphere will be nice, but it’s just another three points for us.”