Another week, another injury as Lambert resists the urge to raid the Academy

Fri 30 Oct 09

City boss Paul Lambert has admitted that he is facing a major selection headache for tomorrow's trip to Stockport, with the Canaries short of a recognised right-back.

Jon Otsemobor is still suffering with his hamstring complaint after a failed comeback at Leeds nearly two weeks ago.

And Michael Spillane – despite returning to training this week – has been absent, also with a hamstring injury, since the 5-1 win over Bristol Rovers.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international has no reserve minutes under his belt, meaning a return to the mix would be a huge risk.

And with George Francomb limping out of last week's 1-0 win over Swindon at Carrow Road with a thigh injury, it gives the Canary boss a real problem.

"The three lads that have played there are all injured at the moment," he told the press ahead of the weekend trip to Cheshire.

"That's just the way it is, but I'm sure whoever comes in will do a great job for me. It's part and parcel of the game so whoever plays there will do their best. I don't have any fear, whoever plays there will be fine."

A little dabble in the loan market looks to have proved unsuccessful so with numbers clearly so thin on the ground, Lambert is faced with two options – to take someone out of their natural position or throw in another young gun.

And the Scot hinted that a current first teamer may possibly be asked to 'do a job'; Francomb is as young and raw as Lambert is prepared to go.

"George [Francomb] was the last of the current group. There are one or two below that but then you're going really, really young.

"It's a big, big ask for someone who hasn't really played. Even George only came in against Gillingham. But it's a situation we find ourselves in and we have to adjust."

Michael Nelson is one name that has been bandied around for the right-back gig, but again Lambert hinted that the risk would be too great.

To put a centre-back in there is one thing. But to put a centre-back only just returning from a spell out with an ankle injury in there is quite another.   Part 2 >>