Norwich City's injury crisis deepened last night with Dion Dublin and Peter Thorne both limping off in the 2-1 defeat at Preston.

Norwich City's injury crisis deepened last night with Dion Dublin and Peter Thorne both limping off in the 2-1 defeat at Preston.

Dublin was withdrawn after suffering a calf injury in the early exchanges at Deepdale while Peter Thorne's introduction from the bench lasted barely 20 minutes before a thigh injury led to him being replaced by Paul McVeigh for the second period.

Canaries' boss Peter Grant admitted the duo are now major doubts for Saturday's crunch Carrow Road visit from Coventry on Saturday.

Midfielder Youssef Safri was rested for the trip to North End after complaining of fatigue while Dickson Etuhu and Darren Huckerby were suspended.

"That seems to be the way it's going," said a frustrated Grant. "With injuries and suspensions we've had to play people and it's backfired on me a little. Dion felt it in the first couple of minutes. We know he's an experienced player and if we'd had Dickson and Youssef available he wouldn't have played.

"That wasn't an option and Dion is the sort of character who wouldn't accept being left out. He almost accepts two games on the bounce as a challenge."

Grant delivered an upbeat message after his side launched a concerted second half fightback against the Championship high-flyers.

Jason Shackell's first goal for the club handed them a lifeline after first-half strikes from Pavel Pergl and Danny Dichio.

"We conceded two bad goals but dominated from start to finish - anyone could see that," he said. "The boys showed great character and did extremely well. I'd have been disappointed to take a point.

"I know football is all about winning games and that's what I'm judged on. If we play like that I'll be more than happy. I've played here with so-called better teams and never dominated a game as much as that.

"I wouldn't want to single out anyone because they all played well. Gary Doherty performed superbly. Mark Fotheringham showed what a top passer he is.

"Chrissy Martin did exceptionally well in a couple of positions and Simon Lappin was excellent. I couldn't fault them."