Simon Grayson has told his Blackpool players to concentrate on the three points on offer rather than the Wes Hoolahan effect at Carrow Road this afternoon.

Simon Grayson has told his Blackpool players to concentrate on the three points on offer rather than the Wes Hoolahan effect at Carrow Road this afternoon.

The Seasiders, like Norwich, started the season with an opening day defeat and a midweek Carling Cup exit - and now come face to face with the mesmerising talents of the Republic of Ireland midfielder who spent two years at Bloomfield Road before joining City in the summer.

But Grayson says his team must concentrate on avoiding a third defeat on the trot.

“We are obviously aware of Wes' strengths and weaknesses, but this game isn't about him,” he said.

“Wes was a fantastic servant for this club, who helped us get promoted and then stay in the division.

“Everyone will be billing it as Wes against us and he will be looking to do well. He's trying to make a name at Norwich, but my players are trying to make a name for themselves too.

“They will be concentrating on getting a result, not on Wes Hoolahan.”

The similarity of both teams' records - and performances - isn't lost on Grayson.

“They have lost the first two as well and everyone wants to get their first win as quickly as possible to breed confidence,” he said.

“But we aren't down on confidence because we know we are playing well.

“We put in a really good performance there last season and got a fantastic win. We want to do that again and we think we can.”

Blackpool were in Norfolk last night having flown from the north-west.

“There is nothing worse than sitting on a bus for seven hours, so we are preparing correctly and we will be flying back as well,” said Grayson.

“We've had a good following at Norwich in the past couple of years. It's a good atmosphere and a good pitch, and the players are looking forward to it.”