City midfielder Simon Lappin has been handed the chance to fight for a return to first team football.The 26-year-old Scot has not made a first team appearance since the 3-0 defeat at Plymouth in November 2007, in former boss Glenn Roeder's third game in charge, since when he has been an unused substitute on just four occasions - most recently in the two FA Cup matches against Charlton.

City midfielder Simon Lappin has been handed the chance to fight for a return to first team football.

The 26-year-old Scot has not made a first team appearance since the 3-0 defeat at Plymouth in November 2007, in former boss Glenn Roeder's third game in charge, since when he has been an unused substitute on just four occasions - most recently in the two FA Cup matches against Charlton.

But new boss Bryan Gunn has wiped the slate clean and involved Lappin in his first team preparations.

“Simon has come in and had a chat, a very positive chat. He wants to be part of the plans and he is very thankful he has been part of the plans in the build-up to last week and this week,” said Gunn.

“Simon comes into the category of 'New coaches, new manager, go on the training pitch and impress' and if we feel he's playing to the standard which will get him into the team then we will make that decision. But again, he's been working hard and he's a good player so we are letting him play and show us his qualities.”

Gunn has been careful not to undermine the confidence of any of his squad by not discussing his transfer targets.

He said: “The lads in the squad, the ones who have got an opportunity to play tonight, they don't need any extra pressure on them.

“I feel I will make the decision when it comes in the area I think need strengthening. I feel my job is to make sure the players that are on the training pitch at the moment and the ones that are likely to play tonight are as relaxed as they can be and I'm not going to put any extra pressure on individuals or the team by saying that there are certain areas I feel need strengthening.”

Meanwhile, Cody McDonald, top scorer with Ryman League club Dartford is reported to have been training with City's first team squad.

City are thought to be one of a number of league clubs interested in the 22-year-old.

“Before Bryan Gunn was appointed manager, I was talking to him in his capacity as head of recruitment,” said Dartford manager Tony Burman.

“So talks have been ongoing for some time. Throughout, Norwich have handled themselves professionally. There has been no out-and-out offer so we can only wait and see what develops.”