DAVID CUFFLEY Dion Dublin's latest headline-grabbing performance for Norwich City has put him in line for an FA Cup award - and earned another glowing tribute from his manager.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Dion Dublin's latest headline-grabbing performance for Norwich City has put him in line for an FA Cup award - and earned another glowing tribute from his manager.

The 37-year-old striker is one of five nominations as FA Cup Player of the Round, sponsored by e.on, after scoring two goals and setting up two for Darren Huckerby in the 4-1 third round win at Tamworth last Saturday.

City boss Peter Grant endorsed the selection when he said: “If I was voting on it, there would only be one winner in this round and that would be Dion Dublin.”

Dublin is competing with Arturo Lupoli (Derby County), Jason Puncheon (Barnet), Thomas Rosicky (Arsenal) and Thomas Butler (Swansea City) for the award.

Rosicky's two-goal display in helping sink holders Liverpool at Anfield may have come in the highest profile game, but Grant argued there were very good reasons for backing Dublin.

He said: “It would be fantastic if he got it because it would show everyone the attitude he has shown since I came here. Also it's great with so many people watching on television, seeing an older pro show what it takes to be a success in the game of football.

“He wasn't playing at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge, he was playing at Tamworth. It's easy enough to switch off and think 'I've done this many, many times before' but his attitude was excellent. He got his goals, but his overall performance and the way he conducted himself was excellent. I think there should only be one winner and that should be Dion Dublin.

“He has incredible enthusiasm for the game and a drive and determination to be successful. That's very important. That's the way he works, the way he trains.”

Grant said Dublin was the ideal role model for £325,000 new signing Chris Brown.

“We're talking today about young Chris Brown coming in. That's one of the reasons, knowing that Dion is here, he is going to give him the attitude - seeing why Dion at 37 is still in such great shape and how well he trains.

“We spoke about the misdemeanour that Chris had before. If he looks at Dion Dublin, I've never seen Dion in the paper for the wrong things and that's another thing you learn.”

Ricky George of the Daily Telegraph nominated Dublin for the award. Fans can vote for their player of the round at with the winner earning £500 of kit and equipment to donate to a local school, as well as a VIP trip for two to the 2007 FA Cup final. Voting closes at 9am on Wednesday.

t Tickets for City's FA Cup fourth round clash at Blackpool on January 27 are on general sale. The Canaries have an allocation of 1,800 seats (all uncovered) at £15 for adults, £11 for OAPs and £8 for under-18s. Coach travel on Club Canary is £27, with a £1 discount for season ticket-holders. Coaches leave Carrow Road at 7.15am. If the match is drawn, the replay will be at Carrow Road on Tuesday, February 13 (7.45pm).