David Cuffley Norwich City boss Paul Lambert is optimistic that goalkeeper John Ruddy will be fit to return to action in tomorrow night's Championship match at Doncaster (7.

David Cuffley

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert is optimistic that goalkeeper John Ruddy will be fit to return to action in tomorrow night's Championship match at Doncaster (7.45pm).

Ruddy missed the 2-1 home victory over Barnsley with a dead leg, but Lambert said today: “We hope he'll be OK - we'll have to wait and see. He will train if he's OK. We'll wait until the morning develops and see how he is.”

Declan Rudd, 19, who deputised on Saturday, will keep his place if Ruddy does not recover.

“He never had anything to do - one save, that's all. But I always have been happy with Declan. He's never let me down, never the club down, never let himself down, so he's never a problem,” said Lambert.

Midfielder Andrew Surman is sidelined by the knee injury he suffered in training last week but will not have surgery, says Lambert.

“It's just a case of rest. He may be two months, may be a bit earlier, we'll have to wait and see how he heals,” said the City boss.

Defensive trio Michael Nelson, Zak Whitbread and Steven Smith are not available because of injury, but Smith is in full training.

Striker Chris Martin, who scored the winner against Barnsley, has a court appearance scheduled for tomorrow but is expected to be available for the game at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“I hope so,” said Lambert.