Loan stars could make debuts

All four new Norwich City loan signing are available for manager Glenn Roeder as he picks his squad for the Coca-Cola Championship clash against Preston North End at Carrow Road tomorrow.

But while with seven loan players currently on the books, new signings Matthew Bates, Keiran Gibbs, Alex Pearce and James Henry, as well as Ryan Bertrand, Mo Camara and Ched Evans, Roeder is only allowed to pick five in his matchday squad under league rules.

Given the latter trio all started for the win against Southampton on Tuesday night, it is likely only two from four of yesterday's transfer-deadline busting signings will be involved.

However, Roeder was giving away little at his weekly press conference at Colney today.

“They'll all be in the squad of 18 but we'll have to see what the final team is. They might all be involved,” Roeder said of the latest arrivals.

Meanwhile, captain Mark Fotheringham has told Roeder he should be fit for tomorrow's crucial game.

Fotheringham limped off midway through the first half of the win at St Mary's Stadium with a leg injury, and his manager said he could well return to the side.

“We think he's got a good chance and we'll see later when he goes out training,” he said. “He thinks he's going to be ok, but then that's Fozzy. It'll be important that he is.”

The game will not see a quick return to Carrow Road for ex-City striker Chris Brown. The frontman is suspended after being sent off for two yellow cards in Preston's vital defeat of Championship pace-setter West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night.

Centre back Youl Mawene, was also sent off, and will be missing too, while Chris Sedgewick is also suspended.

But Billy Jones could return after a hernia operation and new signing, full-back Neal Trotman from Oldham may make his debut.

“It'll be an interesting game and we're looking forward to it,” Roeder said. “It's a shame Browny (Chris Brown) can't play.”