Match Preview – Swindon Town v Norwich City
November 10, 2009 in Match Preview, Norwich City FC by Nelson's Revenge
With leading scorer Grant Holt suspended for tonight’s game against Swindon, Cody McDonald, whose goal in the last round earned tonight’s place in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy fixture at the County Ground, is hoping to his first start since August.
The young striker has two goals to his name this season, is hoping that a plethora of encouraging substitute appearances and a handful of reserve team goals will put him in pole position to replace Holt this evening.
Having moved from Dartford to begin his professional career in January this year, McDonald has had to bide his team and wait for his chance to step in to replace one of Lambert’s first choice strike force of Holt, Martin and Wes Hoolahan, who have been delivering the goals this season.
Lambert would appear happy with McDonald’s contribution in recent weeks and the young striker would undoubtedly benefit from a rare start for the first team, and this evenings fixture could be just the break he needs.
Also waiting in the wings with McDonald is Rhoys Wiggins who is eager to stake his claim for the Norwich City left back spot, and looks certain to be selected for his first Canaries start this evening in the quarter final clash against Danny Wilson’s side.
With Adam Drury injured and occasional left-back Simon Lappin suspended, it could prove to be the first real chance for the defender to force his way into Lambert’s starting eleven since his arrival from Palace in the summer.
Wiggins, who was signed by Gunn, arrived injured after having had surgery on his knee, and his 35 minute outing as a substitute on Saturday was only his second City appearance and now he is keen to push on and become a first team regular.
Meanwhile, the City manager believes his current injury headache is a result of his inherited squad not reaching high enough fitness levels in pre-season.
With Stephen Hughes, Matty Gill, George Francomb, Jon Otsemobor and Michael Spillane all struggling to leave the Colney treatment room, Lambert is convinced his ever growing injury list is down to insufficient training during the summer.
Lambert, who kept his Colchester United side hard at work for two weeks after last season had ended, solely for his players to build up their fitness and conditioning appears to be laying the blame firmly at the feet of the previous management team.
