Ex-Rangers duo among seven leaving Norwich

FORMER Rangers pair Steven Whittaker and Kyle Lafferty are among seven players who will leave Norwich City this summer.

Also among the list of departing players is former England goalkeeper John Ruddy, who had a spell with Motherwell early in his career.

The Canaries are overhauling their squad and will not offer a new deal to the 30-year-old Ruddy after seven years at the club.

Sebastien Bassong, Ryan Bennett, Youssouf Mulumbu and Michael Turner will also leave Carrow Road, the club has confirmed.

Sporting director Stuart Webber said: “We’d like to place on record our sincere thanks to all of the players who are moving on for their contribution to the club and wish them all the very best in the next chapter in their careers.”

Scotland defender Whittaker has played 106 times for Norwich and Hibs boss Neil Lennon has already made clear his desire to bring him back to Easter Road for next season.

Lafferty, meanwhile, has managed just four goals for the club since 2014 and was expected to depart at the end of his contract.

Ruddy joined City from Everton in 2010 and he earned an England cap against Italy in 2012 and made 242 appearances for the Canaries.

Bassong joined from Tottenham in 2012 but had been pushed to the sidelines this season while Bennett, who moved from Peterborough in 2012, has played 119 times for Norwich.

Midfielder Mulumbu has struggled with injuries during his two years in Norfolk while Turner hasn’t played a league game for the club for two years.

It is the start of major changes at Carrow Road as they revamp the squad which has failed to make an instant return to the Premier League.

Ray McKinnon