Norwich's on loan defender Kyle Naughton is eligible to play in Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Leicester after permission was granted by parent club Tottenham.
Norwich City loan defender Kyle Naughton is eligible for FA Cup fifth round tie against Leicester
Paddy Davitt, EDP Sports Writer
Friday, February 17, 2012
11:08 AM
Paul Lambert insists whoever he selects this weekend is good enough to clinch an FA Cup quarter-final spot against Leicester City at Carrow Road.
The Canaries’ boss admitted at his pre-match press call on Friday morning he has a few injury concerns ahead of the Foxes’ fifth round visit, but Lambert’s faith in his squad remains undiminished. Lambert also confirmed Tottenham have given permission for Kyle Naughton to potentially feature against the club he was on loan against last season. The full-back took a bang on the side of his knee towards the end of last weekend’s Premier League win at Swansea and will be monitored over the next 24 hours before Lambert makes a final decision on his fitness.
James Vaughan is in the squad and pushing to play some part after coming through 90 minutes in a midweek reserve outing as he steps up his return from knee ligament surgery. Central defenders Zak Whitbread and Dani Ayala (hamstring) are ruled out along with Marc Tierney (groin). Lambert revealed he is considering whether to recall Jed Steer in place of John Ruddy after his impressive senior debut in the previous round’s win at West Brom.
“There is a good chance that Jed will play. I’ll decide tomorrow (Saturday),” said Lambert. “There is one or two that are carrying little things at the minute so we will just see how they are and then I’ll make a decision what we are going to do. Adam Drury has a groin so I’ll just see how he is feeling. I don’t put any pressure on them and hopefully there’ll be okay. Benno (Elliott Bennett) seems to fine and the team I pick will be strong. Zak is not available. He is doing alright at the minute but I just think this one is too early for him.
“James is in the squad. I think he is looking a lot better than he was a few weeks ago. He did fine against West Brom and I’ll see how he comes through today, but he will be in the squad. Most of the squad have played in the Premier League so there are not many who haven’t tasted it. They know whatever team we pick, what I expect.”
Lambert reiterated Manchester United’s pending league visit is in his thoughts, but the Scot also wants cup progress against the Championship big spenders.
“You give it every respect,” he said. “There’ll be some changes in the team, but it won’t be a weakened side that is for sure. It’s a game we’ll go and try to win. There is a chance to get through. I won’t treat it lightly. I’m sure everybody knows that Premier League survival is our priority, but any team I pick tries to win a football game. The Manchester United game takes care of itself. They are going for the title, they are playing really well. I watched them last night (Thursday) and I thought they were terrific the way they played. Tomorrow is the most important game for me.”
Lambert also revealed midfielder Jonny Howson may be considered for next week’s scheduled Premier Reserve League home game against Arsenal for his first outing in a Norwich shirt since his January move from Leeds. Howson has not played since a knee injury in December.
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14 comments
Indeed, Swiss, the team from Hell! Bogaz, I had and hid a feeling that Naughton would not be "fit" to play v Leicester. So the Spurs permission thing was all a bit of puff. Sorry to renege on my commitment to "BBC"!
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Mad Brewer
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Strewth, Leeds have appointed Warnock over Steve Bruce and Curbishley! Bates and Warnock, just when you thought it could not get any worse for Leeds....
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Swiss Canary
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thankyou, Bogaz! Now that Spurs have permitted Kyle`s inclusion in the Cup Squad v Leicester, is this a portent of permanency? I have counter-views on this but prefer the optimistic option. Have to live up to the Bogaz Bonhomie Criteria! (BBC). OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Saturday, February 18, 2012
MB You have a knack of making everyone feel good! Keep it up. OTBC!!
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Bogaz John
Saturday, February 18, 2012
stukele, you cannot be a moron because you are man enough to admit that you might be! Good man. OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Friday, February 17, 2012
If 'Arry gets the England job [and why won't he?] Kyle will be ours I'm sure. PL thinks very highly of him.
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Soglio Star
Friday, February 17, 2012
Defs agree about Naughton but we don't need to agree a fee do we? Isn't he free in summer (though some kind of small fee because of his age) As for his shot against the Swans..the more I see it the more I want it to fly in. Absolute MONSTER of a shot
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YorkCanary
Friday, February 17, 2012
I would like to see James Vaughan having a crack at playing in the first team, it has been a long road for him to travel. It is certainly not worth risking anyone who is carrying an injury but we must be getting short of full backs now, Tierney with a persistant groin-strain, now Adam Drury and Kyle Naughton suffering fiom a knock. Definitely agree with Bogaz, I would love to see Kyle Naughton here long-term.
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Swiss Canary
Friday, February 17, 2012
Stukulele we all have a groin! I think this is manager speak for a groin strain. Really glad Naughton could play as I think he is pure class and fast. Thought his shot last week deserved a goal. Hope PL can persuade the board ( and 'arry) to sell him for next season.
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Bogaz John
Friday, February 17, 2012
I am such a moron. Sorry.
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stukulele
Friday, February 17, 2012
Adam Drury has a groin? Will he be ok? Can he play a full game with a groin?
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stukulele
Friday, February 17, 2012
Adam Drury has a groin? Will he be ok? Can he play a full game with a groin?
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stukulele
Friday, February 17, 2012
Adam Drury has a groin? Will he be ok? Can he play a full game with a groin?
Report this comment
stukulele
Friday, February 17, 2012
Adam Drury has a groin? Will he be ok? Can he play a full game with a groin?
Report this comment
stukulele
Friday, February 17, 2012