Norwich City manager Peter Grant has revealed that Scottish duo Mark Fotheringham and Simon Lappin will be unavailable to play against Blackpool due to an FA ruling.

Norwich City manager Peter Grant has revealed that Scottish duo Mark Fotheringham and Simon Lappin will be unavailable to play against Blackpool due to an FA ruling.

The ruling stipulates that any player who has been signed after the first tie has been played is ineligible for the replay.

Grant, speaking at Monday morning's Colney press conference: “We have obviously got to change the side. Anybody that was not available before the first game is not allowed to play. It's another opportunity for somebody else to come in and that's the way I look at it. Thankfully we have got a little bit more balance to the squad now but the two boys will not be available to play.”

The City boss also revealed that Jason Shackell will definitely be available to play in the replay after taking a full part in training over the weekend.

“He trained yesterday again and he has done very well. His fitness levels have been good despite not having a game but he is fit and available for selection. Obviously we are still a little bit wary as it backfired on us last time.”

Grant also said that Safri is likely to figure after returning from international duty with Morocco unscathed. The 30-year-old played 80 minutes for his country last week but will be fit for Blackpool. Grant said: “He has trained and done well in the last couple of days. Some people have questioned when he has come back before his fitness levels because of the amount of travelling he has to do but he has come back and trained very well.”