Norwich City boss Paul Lambert believes Grant Holt's return to fitness will spur on his squad to even greater things. The Canaries impressed with a good all round display against Everton on Saturday but perhaps the most heartening sight on Saturday for City fans was that of skipper Holt coming on as a late substitute.

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert believes Grant Holt's return to fitness will spur on his squad to even greater things.

The Canaries impressed with a good all round display against Everton on Saturday but perhaps the most heartening sight on Saturday for City fans was that of skipper Holt coming on as a late substitute.

Holt has been suffering with a thigh injury since appearing against Dereham but showed no ill-effects during his cameo appearance.

“He came on and he had about three chances,” said Lambert. “He might lack a bit of finesse, but he has got a terrific desire to score a goal and that's why he is an important player for us.

“He has got a great desire to get in the box and he's a huge player, so it was great to have him back.

“I think when you play with players like that besides you it tends to make you think that you've got to go and do it yourself.

“I am delighted and I think we are more than ready for Friday (against Watford).”

“You can never promise anything in football or guarantee it, but we will be more than ready for the game.”

Lambert believes his side are ready for the start of the Championship campaign and will not be losing any sleep after defeat against the Toffees.

“Sometimes you have to hold your hands up - you get beat by a team that is a level above us and being a top-half Premiership side, being in Europe and all those sort of things,” added Lambert, who insisted he isn't worried by the soft nature of Everton's goals.

“I thought it was a good game again - against a really top, top side. I thought we played really well and looked threatening, which is pleasing. The first two goals, you can't legislate for them, but that's football.

“I thought we were excellent as in going forward and manoeuvring the football, which I thought was great. I am more than happy.

“It will be a totally different atmosphere from today to next Friday - we will be ready. I'm delighted with them. We are definitely a threat going forward that's for sure.”

Lambert looks unlikely to be adding to his squad before the end of the month and played down reports that Greek international striker Angelos Charisteas had been on trial at Carrow Road.

“I have never heard of him,” Lambert insisted. “I don't know where the rumours come from, honestly I don't. I have never heard of him.”