David Cuffley Norwich City boss Paul Lambert is to step up his search for another right-back - after being forced to remodel his defence for Saturday's 3-1 League One win at Stockport.

David Cuffley

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert is to step up his search for another right-back - after being forced to remodel his defence for Saturday's 3-1 League One win at Stockport.

Established left-back Adam Drury had the unusual honour on his 300th appearance for the Canaries of having to play on the opposite flank to cover for the absence of injured trio Jon Otsemobor, Michael Spillane and George Francomb.

And while Lambert was very happy with the performance of Drury - whose regular position was covered by Simon Lappin switching from midfield - he admitted he was short of cover on the right side of defence.

“Adam did great. But this club only has one recognised right-back, which is strange, strange,” said Lambert.

“We have to try to address it. I hope Jon will be back next week and then we'll try to get somebody in because one right-back is never enough.”

Lambert, who failed in his bid to bring in a loan defender before the trip to Edgeley Park, is hoping Otsemobor will recover from a hamstring injury in time for the FA Cup first round trip to non-League Paulton Rovers on Saturday, with a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie at Swindon to follow three days later.

Michael Spillane, who has had six games at right-back this season, suffered a setback in training last week in his bid to recover from the hamstring injury he suffered in the 5-1 home win over Bristol Rovers four weeks ago. And 18-year-old George Francomb's third senior appearance, against Swindon nine days ago, was cut short by a thigh injury and he is unlikely to make a quick return to action.

There was a fresh injury setback, too, for midfielder Matthew Gill, at Stockport.

Starting his first senior match since August after a knee injury, he lasted just 51 minutes before hobbling off.

“It's his calf that has been pulled so we'll have to check on Monday and see how he is,” said Lambert.

Gill's fellow summer signing, midfielder Owain Tudur Jones, is at least on the mend after more than two months out with a calf injury.

He was named among the substitutes at Stockport after playing 90 minutes for City Reserves at Ipswich last Wednesday.