Evans close to first start - Roeder

DAVID CUFFLEY

Teenage striker Ched Evans could be thrown straight into the starting line-up for Norwich City's home match against Plymouth tomorrow.

Manager Glenn Roeder said today he would have “no worries at all” about giving the 18-year-old his full debut after two outings as a substitute at Blackpool and Stoke.

Evans was introduced ahead of leading scorer Jamie Cureton at the Britannia Stadium and Roeder believes he is ready for a place in the final eleven.

“Whether or not I do that tomorrow or Saturday I don't know, but I watched him in training yesterday and he was fantastic,” said Roeder. “He really was fantastic. His finishing was superb and I'm as confident as you can be that when he's on the field and chances come his way, he'll take a high percentage of them.

“I think the taste of 35 minutes football on Saturday has made him excited about perhaps getting a start, which he will do. While he is with us, he will start games.

“Whether it's tomorrow night, I'll have to wait and see, but his first start is certainly coming closer and of course he's getting to know the lads now and starting to feel comfortable round the training ground. It's quite an ask for an 18-year-old to come into a senior dressing room and feel part of the squad straightaway.

“You can see the boys have taken to him and he's very much part of the squad now. So I would be happy any time now to give him a start.”

Jon Otsemobor, who missed the Stoke match because of a migraine, and Luke Chadwick, given the chance to rest his shoulder injury, will both be available for selection.

“They both trained yesterday morning and they were fine,” said Roeder. “Dion Dublin was a little bit stiff yesterday. He got a kick on his Achilles tendon but it's no great concern. We don't think it will be a problem.”