Former Norwich City stalwart Dion Dublin has backed newest recruit Steve Morison to follow in the best striking traditions at Carrow Road.

Paul Lambert’s waiting game paid off earlier this week when the powerful Wales international was finally unveiled after Millwall accepted Norwich’s improved offer.

The 27-year-old appears cut from the same cloth as the likes of Dublin and Iwan Roberts, who became cult figures with City fans.

Current skipper Grant Holt has inherited that mantle and Dublin is confident Morison can make his mark in the Premier League.

Dublin said: “He’s 6ft 4ins, a strong lad, but he’s now going to be playing against himself.

“It’s about speed, strength and big physiques in the Premier League, and it’s whether he’s mentally prepared when he thinks ‘I haven’t scored today’.

“I think he can do it, but only time will tell. He’s got the attributes but it’s not about his game – it’s about his mental game. It’s hard to justify the fee until they have actually justified it. It’s hard to say until he’s kicked a ball.

“He could have a terrific season and we can say it’s money well spent. He might go out and get 12 goals or get four, you just don’t know yet. He’s a good player.

“I’ve done some TV work with Steve, he’s a good bloke and I saw him play a few times for Millwall. I like him, but it is whether he can handle the stature, the skill, the physique and the pace of the Premier League and the Premier League centre-halves.”

Dublin is convinced City have a fighting chance of establishing themselves in the top flight with Lambert at the helm. He said: “It’s down to one person and that’s the manager. Mr Lambert has done a great job from start to finish. Norwich were one of the biggest clubs in the division (Championship) and Mr Lambert deserves the chance to manage in the Premier League.

“The players he’s got deserve to play in the Premier League for the way they worked last season. You saw the way they played football, the way they worked for each other, every goal was celebrated and they got 25,000-26,000 every single week.

“Whether they can stay there or not? I don’t know. They need five or six new men.”

Dublin’s fellow Sky Sports pundit Iain Dowie believes Lambert’s pedigree could be a crucial factor. Dowie said: “I’ve been very impressed with Paul Lambert and in particular the way he’s gone about business really quickly since the season’s end.

“You look at the three managers coming up. Neil Warnock is vastly experienced – the other two less so – but Brendan Rodgers worked under Jose Mourinho and Lambert’s CV as a player was outstanding. He has also worked with the likes of Ottmar Hitzfeld and Martin O’Neill, very good man-managers.

“He played overseas so he will understand the different mentalities at the top level.

“I think Norwich might surprise a few people.”