David Cuffley Winger Lee Croft is expected to be back in training on Thursday as he bids to be fit for the resumption of Norwich City's Championship programme.Croft was absent for only the third time this season when the Canaries drew 1-1 at Birmingham last weekend, after suffering an ankle injury in training the previous day.

David Cuffley

Winger Lee Croft is expected to be back in training on Thursday as he bids to be fit for the resumption of Norwich City's Championship programme.

Croft was absent for only the third time this season when the Canaries drew 1-1 at Birmingham last weekend, after suffering an ankle injury in training the previous day.

But manager Bryan Gunn said the 23-year-old was “progressing well” and he hopes he will be available for Saturday's vital home game against Sheffield Wednesday.

Croft, who has made more appearances than any other outfield player for City this season, had a scan on his ankle as a precaution.

“The diagnosis was that he had strained ankle ligaments. He had quite a big bang on the point where the foot bone joins the ankle bone, so it was a painful knock,” said Gunn.

“I hope we will see him back on the training pitch on Thursday but he is under the jurisdiction of Simon Spencer, our physio, who is working hard to get him fit.

“It's nothing major but we have to be careful with things like side-footing the ball or a block tackle.”

With the Canaries just two points and two places clear of the bottom three, Gunn needs all hands on deck for the final six matches.

He is already without one wide player for the rest of the season after Wes Hoolahan suffered ankle ligament damage in the 1-0 home win over Plymouth.

Alan Gow and David Carney shared the wide roles at Birmingham but Carney is on international duty with Australia against Uzbekistan in Sydney on Wednesday and will not be back until Friday - after a very long flight.

Gunn has other options on the flanks, one of which is to recall Adam Drury at left-back and push Ryan Bertrand further forward.

Croft is one of four Canary special guests who will meet fans at the club's Soccer PM! event at Hobart High School, Loddon, on Monday night.

First team coach Ian Crook, loan striker Alan Gow, and goalkeeper Stuart Nelson will also take part in a question-and-answer session, to be hosted by the club's community ambassador, Jeremy Goss. The players will sign autographs from 6pm with the forum starting at 7pm. Entry is free.

Before that, the Football in the Community team will provide a free coaching session for children aged five to 12, between 5pm and 6pm. Children wishing to take part should book through the FITC office on 01603 761122.