Peter Grant suffered his first defeat as Norwich City manager last night as the Canaries crashed out of the Carling Cup after a penalty shoot-out at Port Vale.

Peter Grant suffered his first defeat as Norwich City manager last night as the Canaries crashed out of the Carling Cup after a penalty shoot-out at Port Vale.

Grant saw his side fail to advance past the third round for the 11th year in a row - but will be more concerned when he surveys the damage to leading scorer Robert Earnshaw this morning.

Earnshaw went off in the 71st minute with a rib injury which Grant says makes his doubtful for Saturday's trip to Stoke City.

It may open the door for Robert Eagle and Ryan Jarvis - with Grant clearly not averse to giving fringe players a chance.

“We have to take the positives out of this match - some young boys came in and did very well,” said Grant. “Young Eagle did smashing, delighted with him. He did ever so well and also showed bottle to go up and take a penalty.

His general play in the game was excellent, he got great crosses in, showed a willingness to get forward and a willingness to get back in.

“And yet again, another clean sheet - but gutted to be out of the Cup. That is always very disappointing.”

City were unable to break through Vale's defence, although Dickson Etuhu had something of a personal contest with home keeper Mark Goodlad, who denied the City midfielder on at least three occasions.

“But we are creating chances, that is the most important thing,” Grant said.

“The boys are disappointed they missed them.

“But great credit to Port Vale, they battled on, got their blocks in, defended well. The first half we have given the ball away so many times, so cheaply and it was so frustrating, but second half we got better at it.”