There was good news to report on the injury front this morning after City boss Glenn Roeder revealed that neither Jason Shackell nor Gary Doherty were long-term concerns after the bruising encounter at Ahlafors on Saturday.
Both suffered ankle knocks in the last-gasp 2-1 victory and Shackell, especially, looked to be struggling after a crunching tackle in the first-half.
He lasted until the 50 minute mark before being replaced but the Canary chief admitted today that the prognosis was good and netiher were doubts for the start of the season, which is now less than three weeks away.
It is doubtful they will play any part in City's final tour match against Falkenbergs tomorrow night, but Roeder has both of them pencilled in for the only real 'glamour tie' of the summer ? Tottenham Hotspur at home a week today.
“I think they'll both struggle to make the game tomorrow night,” Roeder said this morning.
“But I don't think either of them are seriously hurt, thankfully. I would have thought both should be fit for the Tottenham game.
“It was a couple of clumsy tackles that got them both injured. I don't think they were malicious, just late and clumsy.”
The City squad are due to depart for Norfolk on Wednesday but according to the Canary boss, the trip has certainly been a worthwhile one.
With so many new faces, from a team bonding aspect, it will have done them the power of good. And as August 9 and the trip to the Ricoh edges ever nearer, the squad are getting closer to peak match fitness with every game.
Roll on Falkenbergs and a sterner test tomorrow evening as everyone builds up to the 08/09 curtain-raisers against Tottenham and Colchester United next week.
“It's helping because we are together the whole time which is important,” Roeder continued. “The players can concentrate on their football and their fitness. If you're back at Colney there is that break when you go home every night.
“You can't be fully rested at home, there is always something to do around the house and the break that we had in Devon and the one out here in Sweden has been very helpful.
“First of all, it is an opportunity to gain more match practice and match fitness. It doesn't matter how much running you do, there is nothing like playing matches.”
So what does he know about City's next opponents? It will be a stiffer challenge that's for sure. They ply their trade in Sweden's second tier so it will certainly be a step up in class compared to their part-time opponents from the weekend.
And at this stage of proceedings, it should be just what the Canaries need. After all, it's Juande Ramos' Spurs after this.
“It is going to be a much tougher game tomorrow. I was speaking to Roy Hodgson and he knows the place well and he said we'd enjoy going there; they're good people.
“But, to be truthful, the whole of Sweden is full of good people. The hospitality has been excellent.”
With Roeder keen for all of his squad to get valuable minutes under their belt, there may be a few changes to tomorrow night's line-up.
The City boss has already revealed that Adam Drury ? who has not kicked a ball in anger since October 2007 – is set to play some part. But could some of the younger members of the travelling party also feature?
“Possibly,” Roeder continued. “But when the squad is complete in a couple of weeks, when more signings come in, there are lads here who are not really going to feature in the first-team this year.
“They might have opportunities to train with us during the season but as I keep telling them, they are fortunate to be here.
“But they are gaining valuable experience and it's an opportunity for them. One or two of them have caught my eye ? especially one or two who played at Gorleston who haven't travelled with us. I'm looking forward to seeing how they progress this season.”
With the clock ticking down until that season opener at Coventry, Roeder will be keen to have everything in place sooner rather than later.
After revealing that he hopes to have up to four new faces through the door by next week, it promises to be a busy time right up until the transfer window slamming shut on August 31.
And you get the feeling that Coventry (a) and the start of the Championship season is going to be here before you know it?
“My time is so full at the moment, what with trying to get new players and being at the three practice sessions we have every day, I've not really had time to think about the game at Coventry.
“For sure, it will come around quickly and we've got to make sure we're ready for it, both in terms of preparation and in the number of players we have in our squad.”
Tom Haylett
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