Martin relishing close finish
Norwich defender Russell Martin has issued a rallying call to the Canaries fans who might be getting a touch nervous as the battle intensifies to stay in the Barclays Premier League.
The Canaries play rock-bottom Reading at Carrow Road knowing three points would go a long way to securing their own survival in only their second season back in the big time.
Yet Martin is unconcerned that his side lie just four points ahead of 18th-placed Wigan and is looking forward to what could be the tightest of finishes at the bottom end of the table.
"What's not to relish?" said the full-back said. "We are playing in the best league in the world against great players in great stadia week in and week out. What's there to be nervous about?
"To stay in this league will be an unbelievable achievement. We'll go to enjoy it on Saturday. That's what it is about and hopefully we will give the fans something to shout about.
"We have not been in a dogfight all season. It's getting a bit tight down there, but three points on Saturday and maybe some people will relax a bit."
Midfielder Anthony Pilkington is back in contention after recovering from his hamstring injury.
Fellow midfielder Bradley Johnson has also recovered from a knock he suffered against Arsenal last weekend.
Norwich manager Chris Hughton will wait before deciding whether first-choice goalkeeper John Ruddy returns to the squad after playing two development games following his long lay-off after undergoing surgery on his injured thigh.
Reading manager Nigel Adkins is hopeful Jimmy Kebe could be fit enough to play some part.
The Mali winger missed the 0-0 draw with Liverpool due to a groin injury but has returned to training this week and could be involved at Carrow Road.
The game is likely to come too early for goalkeeper Adam Federici and midfielder Hope Akpan (both ankle) but winger Hal Robson-Kanu has an outside chance of being in contention despite struggling with a knee complaint.
Source: PA
