Lambert keen to do business - even with Messrs Hughes and Nelson sitting on the bench

Mon 23 Nov 09

City boss Paul Lambert has insisted that it's all hands to the pump as the high-flying Canaries get ready to welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Carrow Road tomorrow night.

It was Norwich substitute Stephen Hughes that made all the difference in the thrilling 2-2 draw at Southampton on Saturday and the Scot was adamant that the likes of Hughes and Michael Nelson still have a major role to play.

Many supporters have been calling for the classy Scotland international to be a regular fixture in the side after his return from injury. But while Lambert admitted that Hughes was good enough to be part of the starting XI, he vowed to stick with the current group for the time being.

"You don't really need to justify anything with the younger ones, they are still learning. But you have the experienced ones who go out of team due to injury," he said today.

"But when the team wins it's very hard for them to come and knock on your door because they don't really have an argument. For example, Michael Nelson and Stephen Hughes were in the team, doing great and then they got injured.

"But those lads have been terrific around the place and are part of the group. There is no doubt that I'm going to need them at certain times in the next few games.

"They are good enough to be in the team but we haven't got time to experiment. I've got to go and pick the team that I think can win the match."

The games are certainly coming thick and fast at the moment and with another capacity crowd expected for the Seagulls visit, it's all set up for another special night under the lights.

But Lambert issued his usual word of warning on teams visiting Carrow Road. City will certainly have their work cut out if they are to keep up their excellent form.

"They'll come to Carrow Road and think there are great surroundings and a massive crowd. Everyone expects Norwich to win and sometimes, that's an easy thing to play against.    Part 2 >>