Norwich City v Cardiff City. Match preview

Last updated : 31 August 2007 By Michael Morris

Captain Jason Shackell is definitely out with an ankle injury after he was clattered by team-mate Julien Brellier at Spotland while Grant will make a late decision on whether key forward Darren Huckerby will play.

Huckerby was given a start at Rochdale after missing the club's entire pre-season with a groin injury, but Grant was forced to play him for the full 120 minutes and it is not yet known whether he will be fit to face the Bluebirds.

Dion Dublin or Michael Spillane will partner Gary Doherty in defence

Left-back Adam Drury is back in training after a groin injury and could return while stand-in Ian Murray is expected to miss out with the illness which blighted his 45-minute appearance against Dale.

Striker David Strihavka is sidelined with a throat infection but top-scorer Jamie Cureton should be fit to return after picking up a dead leg last weekend.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones is hoping Robbie Fowler will shake off a slight groin strain.

Fowler and fellow new recruit Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink played 90 minutes in the Bluebirds' Carling Cup victory over Leyton Orient in midweek.

However, Fowler came off in injury time to a rousing ovation from the home fans after feeling his groin.

Boss Jones says he hopes Fowler will be passed fit to face the Canaries at Carrow Road on Saturday and take his place in the starting line-up alongside Hasselbaink, who is nursing an ankle injury.

The former Middlesbrough striker had his right foot heavily strapped after falling awkwardly against Orient but he should be passed fit.

Skipper Darren Purse, meanwhile, also fell awkwardly after a challenge just before the break and his knee injury will be assessed.

Sporting Life