Lappin is City's king of the assists

David Cuffley

Simon Lappin has yet to open his goalscoring account for Norwich City this season - but he has become the king of the assist.

The Scottish midfielder's free-kicks, corners and crosses have led to goals in six of the last eight games in which the Canaries have scored, with top scorer Grant Holt the main beneficiary.

Lappin, whose cross from the right helped set up Gary Doherty's goal in the 2-0 win over Tranmere last Saturday, is happy to keep the supply line open.

He said: “Practice makes perfect and it's something we work on on the training ground and it's come off a couple of times so I hope there's more to come.

“When you're playing central you need to get wide as well to get balls in the box and I'm happy to do that. I'm happy to play anywhere as long as I'm playing.”

A regular place in the side is a triumph in itself for 26-year-old Lappin, discarded by former boss Glenn Roeder for more than a year but given a new two-year contract by Bryan Gunn during the summer.

He has played 16 of Paul Lambert's 18 games in charge, missing only two Johnstone's Paint Trophy ties, one of those through suspension.

He said: “I said all along that's all I wanted to do. I wanted to be here, I love the club, love the place and the fans - everyone has been brilliant with me. All I wanted to do was be given a chance and that's all in the past now, all done and gone. I'm looking forward to the future and I hope that's going be playing week in, week out for Norwich City.

“I know how quickly things can change in football. I'm loving my football at the moment and long may it continue.

“It's up to the manager whatever system he sets up, or formation. If he sees me playing in it, then great. I'm just happy to be playing at the moment.

“Confidence is sky-high at the moment and that comes from winning games. But you never go out thinking you're just going to turn up and win. You're not good enough as individuals or as a team just to do that.”