Norwich City manager Glenn Roeder this morning revealed in his pre-match press conference that left-back Adam Drury will be out for a number of months.Drury had an operation on his right knee yesterday for ligament damage.

CITY defender Adam Drury will be out for “a number of months” after having a knee operation.

New manager Glenn Roeder confirmed this morning that left-back Drury, 29, had the operation on his right knee yesterday for ligament damage. He suffered the injury in the 3-1 defeat at home to Bristol City last month.

“Unfortunately, Adam Drury had to have an operation on his knee yesterday. That will keep him out a number of months - how many months yet we don't know. It's a real big loss to us because Adam is such a vital part of the team,” said Roeder.

“It was some ligament damage that he needed to have repaired but it wasn't his cruciate.

“All we can say at the moment is it's a long-term injury and then we can stick some time factor on that in a few weeks' time.

“Other than that, I think we're all recovered and ready for the big one.”

Drury's absence made the left-back position one he would have to fill, admitted Roeder.

“We definitely need to look at that position now we've lost Adam for a number of months. There's no doubt about that. I know that Simon Lappin can fill in there but he looks to me much more an offensive player than a defensive player, so that will be one of the positions we do definitely need to fill.”

Roeder confirmed that new signing Martin Taylor, on a month's loan from Birmingham, would partner Jason Shackell in the centre of defence against Ipswich Town on Sunday.

Dion Dublin, out for the last three games with a back injury, has been back in training this week.

“He's looking well,” said Roeder.