Ian Crook's City reserves get their campaign under way tonight and the home clash with Southend offers a real chance for some of the forgotten men to force their way back into Paul Lambert's plans.
While at the moment, it looks like Wes Hoolahan and Gary Doherty face a future away from Norfolk � they were not even on the substitutes' bench at the weekend � they will be given a chance to impress tonight in the renamed Totesport.com Combination � East Division.
As will Michael Theoklitos, who has disappeared from the scene since his part in that 7-1 opening day shocker against Colchester.
There was some speculation that he was on his way back to Australia, never to be seen again after 'that' debut.
But he'll start tonight's encounter against the Shrimpers, hoping to show he does have a future at Carrow Road.
And Lambert admitted just over a week ago that the summer signing from Melbourne Victory was still in his thoughts, even if Declan Rudd currently had the number two gig.
“At the minute he does [have a future], Lambert said on August 28th. “I've had a chat with the lad; I spoke with him when I first arrived to say that Declan was going to be on the bench against Wycombe.
“Michael's been great round the place. We've not had an ounce of trouble but my job is to make this football club stronger.
“When people sign in your position, you tend to think you're 15th in line but it's up to him to fight to get into it. Whether he's going to accept that I don't know.”
Well it seems he has and second string chief Crook admitted he had been working hard in training, waiting for his chance.
“It's obviously Michael's first game since the opening game of the season,” Crook told the official website. “We've all had games like that where things just don't go right for you.
“He's just got to get back on the horse now, he has been working really hard with Paul Crichton in training the last few weeks and I'm sure he's keen to put that game behind him now.”
With some 30 professionals on the books, tonight's match gives City a chance to field a strong line-up and in addition to Hoolahan, Doherty and Theoklitos, Cody McDonald, Darel Russell, Goran Maric, Simon Whaley and Chris Martin also have a chance to show their worth.
And Crook revealed that for most, they just needed some minutes under their belt. 20 minutes here and there coming on as a sub is not going to keep you sharp.
“People need games; the gaffer has had a look at things and feels these players need to get some games under their belts.
“The gaffer will be there watching so it is a chance for them to impress and force their way into his thinking and make it as difficult as possible for him not to play them. Quite a few are forward players so we'll look at a shape to fit them in.”
Norwich City reserves: Theoklitos; Francomb, Doherty, Stephens, Habergham; Whaley, Russell, Hoolahan; McDonald, Maric, Martin. Subs: Dumic, Steer, Kelly, Dawkin, Brindley.
Admission prices for tonight's game are �4 for adults, �1 over-60s with free entry for Under 16s and all season ticket holders.
Tom Haylett
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