Norwich City release Zak Whitbread, Aaron Wilbraham

Norwich City have confirmed that defender Zak Whitbread and forward Aaron Wilbraham will play no part in the Canaries' Premier League campaign next season after being released from the club.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert has claimed that it was "difficult" to let go of the pair, with Whitbread ending a two-year stint at the club and Wilbraham finishing his one-year stay with the former Championship side.

"I've got nothing but praise for both of the lads, they've been brilliant for the club and it was a difficult decision to make," Lambert told the club's official website.

"You can't underestimate that they were a big part of what has happened here and people shouldn't forget what they've done and given for this club.

"But that's my job as manager of this football club. Sometimes these decisions have to be made and I wish them the best of luck for the future."

Trio Richard Brindley, Matthew Ball and Josh Dawkin have also been released by the Canaries.