Norwich manager Paul Lambert: Manchester United clash is the priority over FA Cup progress

The Canaries tackle Leicester in the FA Cup this weekend, but the boss believes the encounter with the champions is more important - particularly given his side’s injury problems

14 Feb 2012 16:56:00

By Joe Wright

More On :  Norwich City, Paul Lambert
Paul Lambert of Norwich City
Getty

Norwich City manager Paul Lambert has stated that the Premier League clash with Manchester United is his priority, despite a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals up for grabs at the weekend.

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Lambert’s Canaries take on Leicester City on Saturday in the fifth round of the domestic cup competition, before the daunting prospect of playing host to the champions on February 26.

With a number of first-team players struggling with injury, the former Celtic man has made it clear that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side visit to Carrow Road is at the forefront of his plans.

He told the Eastern Daily Press: "I'll see how this week goes but it gives us respite and we only have that small team the following week in Manchester United.

"Manchester United is probably the priority. Adam (Drury) had a bit of a groin. (Elliott) Bennett just got a knock in a block tackle, but the good thing is now we have a bit of respite before we play Manchester United.

"(Elliot) Wardy came across to the bench towards the end and he was feeling a bit sore, but he had to stay out there.

"Kyle Naughton was on his last legs as well but it speaks volumes that we could carry it through. He just got a bang at the side of his knee so we'll see how he is."

It is a sign of Norwich’s remarkable form this season that they are continuing to get results despite a mounting list of injuries and a difficult run of fixtures.

They won 3-2 at Swansea last Saturday - the only side to manage victory at the Liberty Stadium since United won 1-0 in November - despite the absence of centre-back pairing Zak Whitbread and Dani Ayala.

With further knocks to key players coming in the victory over Brendan Rodgers’ side, it seems that Lambert will take no chances ahead of a crucial run of matches heading in to the spring.

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