David Cuffley Striker Cody McDonald is under no illusions about the task facing him in trying to dislodge one of Norwich City's red-hot attacking trio from the starting line-up.

David Cuffley

Striker Cody McDonald is under no illusions about the task facing him in trying to dislodge one of Norwich City's red-hot attacking trio from the starting line-up.

Top scorer Grant Holt's absence through suspension has given the 23-year-old McDonald another chance of senior football, one he has grabbed in no uncertain fashion with crucial goals in the 2-1 victories over Walsall and Hartlepool.

But before today's League One trip to Millwall, the former non-League player was modesty itself when asked if his goals proved he was worth a regular place in the side.

“I don't think so,” he said. “I have to try to prove it a bit more consistently. Unfortunately Grant's been out and the manager's given me a chance and I hope I can repay him for that.

“If I get the chance it would be nice if I can maybe score again then give him something to think about next week when Grant's back.”

But with Holt, Chris Martin and Wes Hoolahan scoring 54 goals between them in all competitions, McDonald fully understands why manager Paul Lambert has to back his regular trio.

“They've been brilliant, they have scored near on 60 goals between the three of them, so although I'm disappointed that I'm on the bench, it's actually a pleasure to watch people like that play in front of me,” said McDonald.

“It makes it a lot easier when you're not playing when you're watching players like that score goals week in, week out, so it's been really good to be part of it at the minute.

“The manager has shown in the last couple of games that he's got faith in us to step up to the plate but we've got a big squad and it's going to take all of us to win this league.”

McDonald came off the bench to score a late winner at Walsall 11 days ago and headed a timely equaliser against Hartlepool at Carrow Road last Saturday before being substituted in the second half.

He said: “The goal coming off the bench was very important, but I've been waiting for that start and when I got it I think I had to prove to a few people I could do it from the beginning, so I think I was more happy with that one.

“Although I played only half an hour at Walsall, that was really heavy, so respect to the boys who played 90 minutes because half an hour was enough for me on that pitch.

“When I came off last week it was definitely the right time for me because I haven't played for so long.”

McDonald, who has four goals this season and five in all in 30 senior outings for City since signing from Dartford 12 months ago this week, is out of contract at the end of the season.

“It's up in the summer and I hope we can sort something out at the end of the season, me and the manager, but I'm not really thinking about that at the minute,” he said.