Alex Neil was prepared to concede Norwich City fans will see one clear similarity between himself and Paul Lambert on Saturday at Carrow Road.

The Scot understands the inevitable parallels between him and his predecessor who made his mark in a double promotion success, but Neil is his own man.

'You'll probably see me doing as much running as the players up and down the touchline. I get right into the game once it starts,' he said, 'Of course I know about him and anyone who has played for Celtic or Rangers in Scotland is big news. I know all about Paul and I think the comparison is really because we are both Scots and have done reasonably well. That is the extent of it. It doesn't make any difference to me. I have a job to do. Paul did great when he was here and I need to kick on and do the best I can between now and the end of the season.'

Neil insists his arrival has coincided with the critical phase of the league campaign.

'When you start a season everybody is level pegging but at this stage you can't afford those above you to gain more distance and you certainly don't want the ones below you to catch you up,' he said. 'It is crucial now. The whole of January and February is a crucial point because once you get to the business end that takes care of itself because you know where you are and what the task is in front of you.

'Every game is a huge occasion if you manage a big club and after the Bournemouth win the lads have been really bubbly and confident in training this week and they can go into the game now believing if they play well, they can win.'