Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has hailed midfielder Alex Tettey for his displays in recent weeks.

The Norwegian international has received criticism for the mistake that he made during Sunday's loss to Chelsea at Carrow Road, which allowed Eden Hazard to put the visitors 2-1 up.

However, rather than focus on that error, Hughton insists that Tettey's presence in the midfield has allowed both Leroy Fer and Jonny Howson to express themselves further up the pitch.

"Alex is absolutely key in that role because it does give Leroy and Jon a bit more of a licence. Jon perhaps more so in that respect, because as we all know he has a great energy to drive forward," the Eastern Daily Press quotes him as saying.

"Knowing Alex is there and doing what he does best frees Jonny to play a little bit off the shape."

Tettey, 27, joined the Canaries from Rennes in the summer of 2012.