CHRIS LAKEY Youssef Safri is set for a return to the Canaries line-up, having missed out on a revenge mission at Stoke on Saturday.

CHRIS LAKEY

Youssef Safri is set for a return to the Canaries line-up, having missed out on a revenge mission at Stoke on Saturday.

"The last time I played against Stoke they beat us 3-1 and I was looking for revenge, that was my aim," said Safri, who missed the game because of a groin injury.

"I was so frustrated I couldn't make it."

Safri is acutely aware that new boss Peter Grant is refusing to guarantee anyone a place, whatever their reputation - a situation he welcomes.

"There is a lot of competition for places and I was pleased when he told us that no one in his squad was guaranteed their place and that everyone must work hard to stay in the side," added Safri.

"It was really good from the manager because everyone must work more than 100pc because no one is guaranteed their place in the line-up, especially if you have competition in your place."

Safri initially trained on his own yesterday morning at Colney, before giving the thumbs up for a full session with the rest of the team.

"Everything is fine so I will train with the rest of the boys," he said.

Safri has been troubled by injuries since arriving at Carrow Road from Coventry in the summer of 2004, but this season has been a regular starter, having played in every league game before last weekend.

"Every player gets an injury during a season, but hopefully this will be the last one.

"I have been really pleased with myself and my performances since the start of the season so I was pleased this injury wasn't a bad one.

"I missed one game and I didn't let the boys down - I couldn't have played the game because if I did I am sure it would have been a long time to get back. I spoke to the physio and the manager because I felt sore and they said it was better to have the treatment ready for this game and get back to fitness. But I am feeling really, really good."

That's good news for City, but now Safri wants to help shake off the effects of the Britannia Stadium mauling - with the help of the Carrow Road faithful.

"I think the good thing about this league is there are many games in midweek and we have to forget the defeat," he said. "It was hard, but we must try and get three points on Tuesday.

"We can do that especially if the fans get behind us and help us as well because we need them in this situation.

"Hopefully it will be a good atmosphere as well - the main thing is to get three points, not how we play, we just need to get back to winning games."