Let's get on with it, says Ashton

Last updated : 21 October 2005 By Rick Lamb
If Sheffield United can do it, so can we was the message from the wise young head of Dean Ashton prior to this afternoon's Carrow Road match with Millwall.

The club's record signing believes that the astonishing early season run that has seen the Blades set the pace in the Championship can be emulated by a Norwich team who, despite a wretched set of injuries in recent weeks, look to have turned a corner.

"We have picked up some good results in the last month or so, which we are obviously pleased about," the 21-year-old told the Eastern Daily Press. "But we can't just think that's good and expect to get a pat on the back. We have got to get on with it now and try to get on a run, just like Sheffield United have."

With Ashton still a doubt for this afternoon, the big hitman was adamant that he will not make the same mistake as he did by playing against Hull. That decision which may have contributed to him remaining short of fitness three weeks after incurring a depression fracture of the frontal sinus in the defeat to Reading, a match in which he later missed a penalty.

"I'm positive I will be fit, but I am certainly not taking anything for granted," the six-goal striker said. "the last thing I want is a repeat of what happened in our last home game. Looking back I probably shouldn't have been playing, so I need to be right to put in a good performance."

Ashton will undergo a late fitness test to decide whether he can return to the side after missing the 3-1 win at Brighton and Hove Albion's Withdean Stadium two weeks ago. City have since been shorn of the services of Kevin Lisbie, recalled by Charlton, and the injured Youssef Safri, who looks likely to be replaced by Jason Jarrett.