DAVID CUFFLEY Norwich City's hopes of ending their goal drought rested on two wings and a prayer last night - and Lee Croft is hoping things stay that way.Though the inclusion by manager Peter Grant of both Croft and Darren Huckerby in the starting line-up together for the first time this season failed to deliver a precious Championship victory over Scunthorpe United at Carrow Road, the former Manchester City man is convinced there is room for both him and the Canaries' double player of the season winner.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Norwich City's hopes of ending their goal drought rested on two wings and a prayer last night - and Lee Croft is hoping things stay that way.

Though the inclusion by manager Peter Grant of both Croft and Darren Huckerby in the starting line-up together for the first time this season failed to deliver a precious Championship victory over Scunthorpe United at Carrow Road, the former Manchester City man is convinced there is room for both him and the Canaries' double player of the season winner.

The 22-year-old Croft was recalled against his former club in the Carling Cup last week when Huckerby was sidelined by an ankle injury, but found himself back on the bench for the weekend visit of Sheffield Wednesday.

However, both men played 90 minutes in last night's goalless draw with the Iron, and despite another blank night, Croft reckons playing two wingers will ultimately pay dividends.

He said: “I'm glad to be back in the team. We spoke a while ago about me and Hucks not being able to play in the same team together, so it was nice to both start and to play some good football.

“The manager said when he didn't play me in the previous game that it was a hard decision to leave me out after the Manchester City game, so all I can do is keep forcing his hand. Hucks is going to play every game because he's Hucks - he can make something out of nothing.

“It's up to me now to prove I can not only do things going forward but also I can help defensively if Hucks doesn't get back in. It's more work for me but I'm more than willing to do it.

“It was a bit of a blow to be left out on Saturday. I was disappointed but I've just got to keep playing well whenever I get the chance, or when I come on. I want to be in the team every week, and I'm going to strive towards that.

“Hopefully my performances at the moment are going to help me along the way."

City have gone five games without scoring - a total of 465 minutes since David Strihavka's winner against Crystal Palace - but came desperately close to ending that barren run in the second half last night.

“I think that's all we were lacking. That goal just wouldn't go in. Chris Martin came on and had a great effort. With a bit of luck, it would have gone in off the post," said Croft.

"Dion had a few headers. Hucks had a great little dribble and the 'keeper made a save. There were chances there.

“The main thing was we at least got our foot on the ball and tried to go forward and play some attacking football. I'm sure the goals will come and we'll be fine again."

He added: “The lads are as disappointed as the fans are. Everyone gives 100 per cent. The atmosphere around the camp has not been great. Heads have been down. But the manager and the lads have got round each other and we've tried to put that right in training. We've got to make things happen.

“We know we've got the ability to get out of it but it's no good saying that, we've got to do it.

“The fans were good tonight. They could have been on our backs but they gave us support, helped us on our way. I think we put a performance in but we're just sorry we couldn't send them away with the three points."