David Cuffley Norwich City will not appeal against goalkeeper Fraser Forster's red card at Gillingham.It means the on-loan Forster will definitely miss tomorrow's League One match at home to Leyton Orient.

David Cuffley

Norwich City will not appeal against goalkeeper Fraser Forster's red card at Gillingham.

It means the on-loan 'keeper will definitely miss tomorrow's League One match against Leyton Orient at Carrow Road (7.45pm).

Forster was sent off by referee Paul Taylor after 33 minutes when he was adjudged to have brought down Gillingham's Curtis Weston, conceding a penalty in the process.

Manager Paul Lambert decided after watching TV footage of the incident that he would not appeal.

Said Lambert: “I just felt the view of it is not great. The referee was adamant after the game it was a penalty. I don't think he's ever going to rescind the decision. I just don't think we would get anywhere.

“I remember appealing against one at Wycombe. It was never a sending-off in its life and I lost that, so I've not got a good record appealing.”

The ban leaves the way open for 18-year-old Declan Rudd to make his home debut following his impressive display for an hour against Gillingham after coming off the bench, though Lambert would not confirm whether Rudd or Australian 'keeper Michael Theoklitos would face Orient.

“Declan will come into the fray. Whether I go with him I'll decide tomorrow,” said Lambert.

Theoklitos is the other less likely option, his only senior appearance coming in the 7-1 home defeat by Lambert's Colchester on the opening day of the season, but the manager believes he must forget that experience.

“He's got to be ready. That's the thing - you can only have that in your head for so long,” said Lambert.

“As I said to Michael, the seven goals weren't all his fault. I saw them. You can't blame Michael for the result, that's for sure.”

Rudd denied Chris Palmer, Simeon Jackson and Weston in the second half at Priestfield Stadium as Gillingham tried to extend their 1-0 lead.

After the game, Lambert said: “His saves were terrific, but there's no point in being over the top about him because I know what it's ike when you're young and people don't expect much of you. He did what he had to do, that's his job.”

Lambert said he would have no worries about giving Rudd his first start if necessary, but added: “You're asking somebody young again to come in. I know, I was young once myself, so I know exactly what it's like.

“On his performance today, the saves he made were excellent so it was a big, big performance from him and part of a terrific team performance.”

Skipper Grant Holt applauded Rudd's contribution on Saturday.

“Everyone was really happy and young Dec came in and did really well,” said Holt.

“He played well. He was a bit nervy when he first came on, but you have got to take that as a young lad, but obviously we know what Dec is all about. He's been away with England, he's very good and it's maybe the chance he will get to get a little run in the team and fair play to him, I'm sure he will take it with both hands.”

“I'm just delighted for him. He's been waiting a long time for his chance. It's great for him - it's always nice to get your debut and he'll be pleased with that.”

Full-back Jon Otsemobor is definitely ruled out tomorrow with the hamstring injury he suffered at Gillingham.

“Jon will struggle - we'll have to wait and see how he recovers. He's a strong lad,” said Lambert.

Midfielder Stephen Hughes looks set to continue after playing more than 50 minutes at Gillingham.

Lambert admitted: “All you can do is get the best out of him at the minute because he hasn't trained, or had much in pre-season, let alone anything else. Even him coming in on Saturday was great. It was a big, big effort.”