City boss Paul Lambert is targeting a continuation of last season’s terrific away form, as his side prepare to face Scunthorpe at Glanford Park tomorrow afternoon.
The League One champions managed an impressive 12 wins on the road in 2009/10 and if they are to get anywhere near a challenging position this time around, picking up those points away from Norfolk will be crucial.
And the Norwich chief is sticking with what he knows best – the Canaries won’t be changing their game plan for anyone.
“Like I have said, the approach won’t be any different from what it was last year – we will go and try and win another game,” said the Scot, speaking to reporters this morning.
“We will have a terrific following again but it is a hard place to go. I’ve been up to Scunthorpe before and it definitely is a hard place to visit.
“The onus will always be on the home team – it always is when you go away and it’s up to them to make the running.
“That does not mean we are going to sit back and defend though – we are good going forward, we’re a real threat and hopefully if we get a chance we can take it.
“I have always said if you can take care of your home games and get some away points at the right time, you will be around about it at the end.”
The Iron are entering their second consecutive season at this level and to Nigel Adkins’ credit, he has assembled a competitive side.
At Glanford Park especially, they recorded some impressive victories last year – none more so than a home triumph over champions Newcastle.
And Lambert is expecting a tough assignment tomorrow, especially after the North Lincolnshire club got off to a winning start with that victory over promotion hopefuls Reading last weekend.
“It will be a tough game because the ground is small and the fans are on top of you. Make no mistake it is a hard game for us.
“I have said that even with the fact they don’t get the biggest crowds, the stadium is nearly full every week and they get behind them. They have done well to stay in there [the Championship].
“They have done fantastically well because they have had to build spirit. They have done a really good job – that is a fact.”
As far as team news goes, Lambert admitted that he may have a tough decision or two, with Korey Smith and Simon Lappin doing their chances no harm when stepping in for Messrs Crofts and Surman for the Carling Cup win over Gillingham.
Crofts has now returned from international duty and Surman is likely to be available after a ‘niggle’ kept him out of the midweek Gills clash. But Smith and Lappin are stalwarts of last season’s successes and won’t give up their place easily.
Zak Whitbread, however, is still on the sidelines. And the City manager admitted that his ongoing fitness issues are a concern.
“With Korey and Simon they both have a lot of energy and I know what I am going to get from both of them. So yes, it gives me a problem tomorrow. I have to go away and think about the team for tomorrow.
“In terms of Zak, it doesn’t matter whether I signed him or not. I am concerned when any one of my players is injured.
“That is part and parcel of the game – you just have to get on with it. But it is frustrating for Zak and frustrating for us because we know what he can do.”
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