City boss Bryan Gunn today dipped his toes into the loan market yet again with the signing of ex-Ipswich forward Alan Lee from Crystal Palace.
The 6ft 3in Republic of Ireland man is poised to join the Canary ranks until the end of the season and boosts City's striking options even further after the recent arrival of goal hero David Mooney.
With Mooney, Alan Gow, Cody McDonald, Carl Cort, Jamie Cureton and Luke Daley for company, the former Town man will not find it easy to get into the side.
And the competition for places up top is a major positive for Gunn and Co as we approach the final seven games of the season.
The 30-year-old made his name at Cardiff City before joining the Canaries' East Anglian neighbours in 2006.
He was a fans' favourite at Portman Road ? quite how well that will go down will be interesting to see ? and had a decent goals-per-game record, scoring almost one in three.
“Alan brings power and having watched him myself over the last two years and in games against Norwich City he's a very awkward customer to play against,” Gunn told the club's official website this evening.
“He's got tenacity, he chases lost causes and he provides a goal threat. With the seven games we have got left he's very keen to come here and do well.
“He could have signed for another Championship club who were interested in him, which shows that he is committed to coming and playing for us.”
In a busy day at Carrow Road, it was also revealed that mercurial winger Wes Hoolahan will miss the rest of the season with the ankle injury that forced him off at half-time in the crucial 1-0 win over Plymouth at the weekend.
The former Blackpool man has ankle ligament damage and his absence will be sorely felt, especially with City now running into a bit of form.
“It's a devastating blow in our current situation,” Gunn admitted. “Wes has been a big player in recent weeks and losing him for one game would have been bad enough, never mind the remaining games of the season.
“But we have to remain positive and this is now an opportunity for one of a number of players who have been waiting for their chance on the sidelines to get into the action in the crucial games ahead.”
And finally, City's potentially crucial clash with Reading ? their last home game of the current campaign ? has been moved back two days to accommodate the good people at Sky TV.
The Carrow Road encounter will now take place on Monday April 27th, kick-off 7.45pm.
Tom Haylett
Leave a Reply