Jonathan Redhead Norwich City boss Paul Lambert may turn to something different in the shape of Anthony McNamee tonight as his side goes looking for three more points in their push for promotion.

Jonathan Redhead

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert may turn to something different in the shape of Anthony McNamee tonight as his side goes looking for three more points in their push for promotion.

The Canaries could move up to third in the table by just picking up a point at Southend, if Colchester lose heavily enough at Brentford.

But Lambert believes he has a game winner in loan signing McNamee who could come in for his City debut at Roots Hall.

City have been enjoying success with their narrow 4-3-3 formation in recent weeks, but came up against a Carlisle side in the Cup on Saturday who countered with 4-5-1 in a bid to stifle the Canaries.

Now, Lambert may have the answer to those tactics in the shape of pacy winger McNamee, who has joined the club on loan from Swindon Town.

He could be set for his City debut tonight alongside Peterborough right-back Russell Martin, who also arrived on a temporary deal last week.

“With Anthony McNamee, we have an option and Russell Martin came in because we needed help in the right- back area, because at one point we didn't really have anybody, but McNamee's really the only one who can play slightly differently.

“He's the only one who gives us the option to change to different options at the minute. If teams play against us like Carlisle did then we have to adapt.

“I don't think every team will play 4-5-1. It's every testament to the lads and the way they've been playing and done it week in, week out.

“Its other teams' prerogative the way they want to play the game or change it, but all we do is try to concentrate on our own team.

“I'm sure if you asked the two lads, they'll be wanting to play. Whatever team I pick, hopefully, that'll be the team that goes and wins the football match.”

Southend start the game in 11th place, with just six wins and seven defeats from their opening 18 matches.

But Roots Hall is a difficult place to pick up three points, and Lambert is expecting tonight's clash to be no different.

“It'll be a tough game. Going there is a tough place first and foremost. I went there with Colchester last year and it's a hard place to go but we have to bounce back and I'm pretty sure the lads will be ready for it and try to rectify what went wrong on Saturday,” he said.

“I notice Tranmere beat them the other week. The onus is on the home team to make the running and we have to fight and battle first before we win any game.”