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After a successful Swedish trip, Croft's message is clear. 'Bring on the Spurs!'

24th July 2008 By Latest News Leave a Comment

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With just over two weeks remaining until City kick off their Championship campaign, winger Lee Croft has revealed that the Canary squad are stepping on the gas as they prepare for their next big test ? Tottenham at home on Monday night.

The 3-0 win over Falkenbergs in their final Swedish tour match saw Croft get on the scoresheet in a highly impressive victory.

And the hosts were no mugs, quite the opposite in fact. They currently sit fifth in their equivalent of the Championship.

But whilst the 2-1 win over fourth tier outfit Ahlafors on Saturday was lacklustre, there was a real sparkle to City's play on Tuesday.

Even Glenn Roeder admitted afterwards that the level of improvement had surprised him. And Croft ? who is taking part in his third Norfolk pre-season ? admitted that City are ready to step up to the next level for the visit of Juande Ramos' Spurs.

“We've had a really good pre-season so far and the lads feel fresh,” Croft told the media after Tuesday's convincing success.

“We're raring to go already and I think that was emphasised [against Falkenbergs]. We've got another great test on Monday night against Tottenham, which we're all looking forward to, and then there's one more – Colchester at home – until the season kicks off.

“I think there were some positives to come out of the game on Saturday and the gaffer said it was going to be tougher opposition.

“But we stepped it up massively and made it even easier than it was on Saturday. I think it's come together nicely. The lads feel good, feel sharp.”

With Roeder's summer surgery well under way, competition for places ? especially in midfield ? is set to be stiff.  David Bell's arrival will have heaped more pressure on the former Man City winger and let's not forget Luke Chadwick either.

Croft will have to be at his very best this season to win a starting spot but as far as the Wigan-born man is concerned, it's all about the end game ? winning football matches.  After all, it's a squad game these days?

“The gaffer has brought in some quality,” added the man bought by Nigel Worthington for ?600,000 in 2006.

“The competition is nothing but a good thing.  There are going to be more coming in and I think it's not only good for individuals – you have to be on top of your game – but also good for the squad as a whole.

“We've got some very talented individuals now and we've got to make sure we continue to improve.”

After a busy week transfer-wise, Croft believes the arrival of Italian loan star Arturo Lupoli ? who signed a season-long agreement on Tuesday – is a statement of intent as City's activities step up a gear.

The fans' optimism levels have certainly been cranked up a few notches in recent days and Croft believes that in Roeder, the Canaries have a manager who can draw the very best that Championship money can buy.

“Lupoli is a big name. The gaffer can attract players like that, he's a big name in English football. It's just great we can attract not only Lupoli, but Elliot from Fulham and Stefanovic.

“We've got Wes [Hoolahan] who's come in and done well as well. He's a good little tricky winger so things are really looking up at the moment.”

And with Championship places up for grabs, Croft will be hoping he can continue his goalscoring form after netting in Tuesday's latest win.

With only four goals to his name in two seasons at Carrow Road ? his last coming in the 3-1 defeat to Watford back in November – it's fair to say that his return could be better.

But his work-rate can never be questioned, and if he starts chipping in with a few more goals, then the City boss will find it hard to leave him out.

“Clarky and the gaffer have been telling me I need to get in the box more, on the end of crosses, so it was nice to get in there and the ball landed for me and I just had to swipe it in.

“That's something I do want to work on this year and add a few more goals to my tally.”

Tom Haylett


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