Mooney in City squad for Blackpool clash

Jonathan Redhead

New loan-signing David Mooney goes straight into the Norwich City squad for tomorrow's crucial Coca-Cola Championship clash at Blackpool.

The Irish frontman, who has joined the Canaries on loan from Reading for a month, scored a hat-trick for the Royals reserves in a victory against Crystal Palace during the week.

And City boss Bryan Gunn said the 24-year-old is ready to help in the fight against relegation and says Mooney is regarded as the “best finisher” at his parent club.

“He's hungry,” Gunn said this morning. “He looked like he was hungry for the game and his attitude and everything about him was right.

“I know he's frustrated at Reading, because he's not had as many chances as he thinks he should have had, because of Kevin Doyle, Shane Long and now Leroy (Lita) back in the squad.

“I believe from my discussions with different people around the Reading training ground, that he is regarded as the best finisher at the club but can't get in the team at the moment.

“He went out on loan to Stockport in January and had a knock on his ankle, so that curtailed that and he went back for treatment. He was back training in the last ten days and played the game the other day and looks fine.”

The inclusion of Mooney for the game at Bloomfield Road looks likely to be the only change for Gunn as City look for back-to-back away wins in the league for the first time this season.

Only long-term absentees, Dejan Stefanovic and Adam Drury (both knee) are unavailable for the clash with the side three points above the Canaries.

Gunn also confirmed former skipper Mark Fotheringham is available for selection despite the captain's armband being handed to defender Gary Doherty earlier this week.

“He's still here and available” Gunn said. “Nothing's changed. He's available for selection, should he be required.”