CHRIS LAKEY Peter Grant admitted he may be forced to delve into the loan market this week as he encounters growing injury problems at Carrow Road.

CHRIS LAKEY

Peter Grant admitted he may be forced to delve into the loan market this week as he encounters growing injury problems at Carrow Road.

The Norwich City manager saw his side endure a gruelling 120 minutes before overcoming gritty Rochdale on penalties in the second round of the Carling Cup last night.

But he was without strikers Jamie Cureton and David Strihavka and then saw Dion Dublin and Jason Shackell pick up injuries.

Grant also admitted that new signing Ian Murray had started the game despite suffering from illness.

The one bright spot may have been the sight of Darren Huckerby playing his first senior game of the season after suffering from a groin injury - but perhaps he would have preferred him not to have to play the full 120 minutes.

It proved a tough night all round against the League Two strugglers.

“I knew I was putting Huckerby out when he wasn't fit and Ian Murray was unwell,” said Grant. “We knew Shackell was struggling with injury late in the game and with the amount of boys we have struggling I am just very, very pleased to be in the next round.

“But great credit to Rochdale. The only thing I can give my players credit for is their resilience.

“Penalties was the last thing I needed but guys were struggling to go out there before the game.

Grant now has four days before City face Cardiff at Carrow Road and admits he is tempted to bring in yet another new face.

“Jamie Cureton got a knock last Saturday and was struggling,” said Grant. “Hopefully he will be available for the weekend but we will need a body count.

“We will assess it before Cardiff but we will need to make decisions very quickly and if it comes to it we may have to bring people in.”