Canaries primed for crucial clash

The Canaries boss saw his side defeated at home by Arsenal last weekend and next week they take on Barclays Premier League leaders Manchester City.

"If we win we can go above them. I always think our home games are vital and we will try everything we can to win," Lambert said. "They have strengthened very well. They won the Championship last season. We had two hard games against them last season and this will be no different."

The Scot accepts these are the must-win matches and admits his team were taught a lesson by Arsenal last weekend.

Lambert said: "Arsenal are a top side. There is no point comparing us to Arsenal. We were always in the game but they are on another level from a lot of teams. We gave them everything we had.

"You have to be realistic, they are a top side who have qualified for the Champions League last 16 and I'm sure they will be close again. We want to win every game, Arsenal or QPR, but we also know the importance of wins against the teams round about you.

"QPR have brought in some big names and this is a huge, huge test for us."

Russell Martin will continue in central defence for Norwich as the club's injury problems at the back look to be easing.

Central defenders Zak Whitbread and Daniel Ayala came through reserve matches and could be in contention from the bench against QPR.

Ritchie de Laet is also training again after recovering from a back injury.

Source: PA

Source: PA