CHRIS LAKEY Peter Grant is set for an emotional reunion with his former West Ham charges tonight when Norwich City's pre-season steps up a gear with their first home friendly of the summer.

CHRIS LAKEY

Peter Grant is set for an emotional reunion with his former West Ham charges tonight when Norwich City's pre-season steps up a gear with their first home friendly of the summer.

The Canaries boss was assistant manager at Upton Park until he opted to branch out on his own last October, taking over the Carrow Road hot-seat vacated by Nigel Worthington.

But Grant won't be the only one renewing acquaintances, with Hammers boss Alan Curbishley likely to field three players - keeper Robert Green, striker Dean Ashton and fans' favourite Craig Bellamy - with major Norwich links.

Green and Bellamy both served their footballing apprenticeships at Norwich before moving on to pastures new, while Ashton joined City for a club record £3m in January 2005 before joining West Ham a year later for twice the price.

"I hope I'll get a good reception as I really enjoyed my time down there and they are great fans to play in front of," said Ashton. "It'll be great to go back and see some old faces."

Defender Callum Davenport also spent on time on loan, but Scott Parker, another former City loanee, looks set to miss out because of injury.

"I'm really looking forward to it because no doubt they will be coming here hoping to play well," said Grant. "They are getting close to that time where you make your known selection.

"Unfortunately we are carrying a few injuries and that is the only downside of it for me."

Grant is unlikely to risk Darren Huckerby (groin), Simon Lappin (thigh) and Julien Brellier (thigh) while on-loan midfielder Jimmy Smith is definitely out.