Blues manager Paul Lambert says he’s undecided whether James Norwood - who is suspended for next weekend’s league game against Coventry after picking up his fifth booking of the season on Tuesday - will be involved against the Sky Blues in Sunday’s FA Cup second round tie at St Andrew’s.

“I don’t know, I really don’t know,” Lambert said. “We’ll see how he is. He’d not done too much training going into the game the other day so what I don’t want to do is risk him getting injured or anything like that. I’ll decide from there what I think.

Norwood, 29, underwent groin surgery early last month but is still working his way to peak fitness and was left out of the squad for last Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Blackpool before returning for the 0-0 draw with Wycombe.

“We don’t want him playing too many games too soon,” Lambert added. “It’s a build-up because you’ve got to have training as well in that, so you’ve got to watch that.”

Reflecting on his strike pairing, Norwood and Kayden Jackson, not having added to their seven goals apiece for the season in the last two games, Lambert said: “James scored two against Southend and then had the break with his injury.

"It’s been stop-start and the games he’s been off Kayden has done well, so I’ve got no problem. Will Keane as well is looking more lively, so I’ve got options there.”

Photo: TWTD

Suffolkboy added 16:28 - Nov 29 Calm and sanguine summation / explanation from PL .Its good to know we take careful consideration of all and very factor in thr professional management at ITFC . One can only admire the regular patient approach which PL and co. adopt in interview especially when the questions inevitably follow the same pattern ,but probably reflect too an agenda dictated by supporter and media pressure ! COYB

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hoppy added 17:16 - Nov 29 "Will Keane as well is looking more lively" Is there a jump from 'lively' to 'a goal threat'?
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runningout added 17:54 - Nov 29 Norwood is wanted by more than a few teams in leagues above League 1. Hope we are looking for replacement
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Pilgrimblue added 18:05 - Nov 29 I doubt very much that JN is being wanted by anyone above L1. He hasn't proved he's good enough at this level, so much to play for in the remaining season. Thought Garner was better!
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DifferentGravy added 20:04 - Nov 29 Indubitably Suffolk boy.......apologies, your articulated circumlocutory reminded me somewhat of Noel Coward. He will score goals. So if Norwood is physically fit enough.... then play him. Otherwise rest him. Toodle pip
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dirtydingusmagee added 21:29 - Nov 29 Norwood is over rated , came in with all hype, done nothing except join sick list, MUCH TO PROVE .
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herfie added 22:01 - Nov 29 The reality regarding our seemingly endless injury production line is what it is. But it just seems that, for far too long, the limitations placed on fielding our strongest/quality starting 11 have become somehow institutionalised. ‘Oh yea, so and so is injured again; or we can't risk him; he can't play every week .....etc etc. Injuries, of course, are part and parcel of the game, which is why some quality in depth is essential for any team seriously challenging for promotion. It might be that some individuals - Bishop? - whilst undoubtedly talented, have bodies that are just not up to the rigours of pro football. But wish all those currently struggling with, or returning from, injury a full and speedy return.

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Linkboy13 added 10:09 - Nov 30 Agree Nogood is overrated needs to concentrate on things on the pitch spends most of his time giving away stupid fouls.
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blues1 added 10:31 - Nov 30 Some of our fans are frankly incredible. When norwood was a available from tranmere, everyone is clamouring for the club to go and sign him. When we did that, all saying how brilliant a signing it was. Now, just because things havent quite gone right for him so far, he overrated or no good. Ridiculous. Has anyone taken into account the fact it's a jump up from lge1 to lge1, or the fact that the service to him hasnt been good enough in terms of creating chances for him to score more goals. Yes hes missed a few chances too, but so do most strikers. And then with having to have the op on his groin, hasnr helped neither.

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Edmundo added 13:02 - Nov 30 Norwood and others need a consistent run over Christmas to breed confidence imo. It's a crucial time and we need to take a risk with these guys and trust they will deliver. A good Christmas haul of points will be a tonic at a time where it feels like we're going off the boil. Am I alone in thinking that?
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TractorCam added 13:33 - Nov 30 blues1, not to mention our worst performances have been without him in the team! It's the simple minded fan who thinks if a striker isn't scoring loads then he's rubbish.
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ringwoodblue added 14:51 - Nov 30 I'd have Norwood in my team even if he's not scoring prolifically just for his movement and physical presence. Only one criticism I'd make of him is his tendency to get unnecessary bookings for arguing with the referee when decisions go against him. His partnership with Jackson has also enabled Kayden to start realising his potential at this level.
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norfolkbluey added 15:15 - Nov 30 Some good supportive comments and I agree especially with comments about Norwood. He cannot be expected to score unless he has a player behind him who understands where he wants the ball played to him as he had at Tranmere! It would be good to look at any tapes from last year's games where he consistently scored goals. Surely this is what is required to enable players to do their job!

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herfie added 15:44 - Nov 30 He - Norwood - needs time and support; misguided criticism won't help him fulfil the potential and threat that he possesses at this level. At times some are a tad too quick to see only the worst, only to discover that a player becomes a totally different beast when support and confidence is high. As an example, look no further than Kiefer Moore - admittedly a bargain buy, but one who was never really given a chance. Rest is history. Bottom line, for me, is with the right service and team set up, Norwood will increasingly show his worth.

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Kickingblock added 10:05 - Dec 1 Let the dog see the rabbit. He's a menace for opposing defenders and has undoubtedly raised KJ's game. His presence probably helped lift a relegated squad. Perhaps the honeymoon is over, bear in mind that he has uprooted and moved miles to be a blue. You can be sure that he is far more cheesed off than anyone else when he doesn't score.
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