Chris Lakey Canaries fans could get their first glimpse of former favourite Paul McVeigh back in Norwich City colours this weekend. McVeigh has been training with Bryan Gunn's squad and could feature at Fakenham tonight.

Chris Lakey

Canaries fans could get their first glimpse of former favourite Paul McVeigh back in Norwich City colours this weekend.

McVeigh has been training with Bryan Gunn's squad and could feature at Fakenham tonight (7.30pm) or at Dartford tomorrow (3pm).

Gunn is expected to reveal details of his squads for the opening matches of pre-season - and next week's three-match tour of Scotland - this morning and McVeigh's itinerary may well be a clue as to whether the City boss is seriously considering a role for the former Northern Ireland international.

“He has worked very hard in pre-season,” said Gunn. “We need to ask him if he wants to be part of the game.

“It's possible he may feature at Fakenham or one of the other games. He has worked hard. It was an open ended invitation to use our facilities and we will see where it leads to.

“He is looking sharp, his fitness levels are very good - he has always been a fit lad - and his testing results have been up there with the best so he hasn't done himself any wrong by doing this. If anyone comes on the phone asking about Paul's fitness levels and attitude I can only give him an A report.”

City fans can expect to see summer signing Matthew Gill - a former Fakenham High School pupil - make his first appearance of the Canaries, along with some of City's newest home-grown professionals, and possibly a triallist or two.

Cambridge City winger Scott Neilson has been on trial with City and is likely to feature at Dartford.

Lilywhites boss Gary Roberts has agreed to let Neilson play - knowing that an impressive performance could lead to a move and a transfer fee.

“It's a bit premature to be thinking about him going,” said Roberts. “But it would be fantastic for him and great for us because he's on a contract and we'd get a fee for him.

“His trial has been going very well. I've had a lot of positive feedback from different people. It doesn't surprise me, in some ways the jump to League football will be easier for him than going up to the Conference.

“For some players it's an easier step to make. Scott is small but more skilful and would get the ball a bit more.”

Gunn added: “With our commitment to Dartford as well to send a strong side there will be a mix of faces in there, some familiar and some of the new faces that have come through, but the main thing is it is a Norwich City XI that is going out to support one of our local sides.

“It is an opportunity for us to have 90 minutes of football so the lads can get used to the team play and structure and Fakenham and Dartford give us the opportunity to give as many of the people training with us at the time a chance to impress.”