DAVID CUFFLEY Defender Michael Spillane is ready and eager to add to his handful of first-team appearances as Norwich City's injury problems begin to bite. Manager Peter Grant admitted before today's Coca-Cola Championship trip to Sunderland that the versatile Spillane was under consideration for a spell of senior duty, because of a string of injury worries in defence and midfield.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Defender Michael Spillane is ready and eager to add to his handful of first-team appearances as Norwich City's injury problems begin to bite.

Manager Peter Grant admitted before today's Coca-Cola Championship trip to Sunderland that the versatile Spillane was under consideration for a spell of senior duty, because of a string of injury worries in defence and midfield.

The 17-year-old has been restricted to Carling Cup appearances for the Canaries at Torquay and Rotherham - both times as a substitute - this season, making it five first-team outings in all, the first of which came in the FA Cup against West Ham in January.

The fact that the Republic of Ireland youth international can play in more than one role should increase his chances of a call-up.

He said: “In the long term I probably see myself playing at centre-back. It's always good to be able to play centre midfield and right-back as well, but my main aim is to play centre-back.

“I'd love to play anywhere on the pitch at the minute. I've played in midfield before so I know the role and it gives the manager another option if he wants.

“I think if I'm given the chance I can show what I do once I get on the field.

“It's a big season for me. It's going all right. Obviously I'm still learning, so I'm not playing that much. I'd be wanting to play more but I've still got to learn.”

Spillane paid tribute to a man 20 years his senior for his help on the training ground.

“Dion Dublin is a massive help with what he's done in his career. He talks to you every day in training. When you're playing next to him at centre-back, he's always talking so you can't switch off for a second.

“And he's good in the changing room. You have a laugh as well.”