Gary Hooper and Jonny Howson to return for Norwich City at Shrewsbury Town
Striker Gary Hooper, pictured celebrating one of his two goals in a 3-2 extra-time win at Watford in the third round of the Capital One Cup last season, is set to make his injury return for the Canaries at Shrewsbury. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Returning duo Gary Hooper and Jonny Howson are fit to start for Norwich City at Shrewsbury Town tomorrow night, Canaries boss Neil Adams has confirmed.
Jonny Howson playing in Norwich City's U21 premier league match against Leicester City at Colney. Photo: Bill Smith
Hooper (calf) and Howson (knee) stepped up their injury comebacks last Friday when they played key parts in a 5-0 win against Leicester City in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League.
Both missed Saturday's 2-2 Championship draw with Birmingham City at Carrow Road but look set to step up their recoveries in the third round of the Capital One Cup at Shrewsbury on Tuesday night.
'They're both fine, they both came through the under-21 game, they had an hour and we haven't had any reaction so they will be back in the fold,' Adams said at his pre-match press conference at Colney this morning.
City will play at the Shropshire side's Greenhous Meadow stadium for the first time as it will be the first meeting of the two clubs since February 1986, when the Canaries won 3-0 at Shrewsbury's old ground, Gay Meadow.
Jonny Howson (4) and Gary Hooper (9) playing in Norwich City's U21 premier league match against Leicester City at Colney. Photo: Bill Smith
Another player who looks likely to be involved is recent signing Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe.
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The Belgian midfielder has so far made just one substitute appearance, in the 3-0 win at Brentford last week, since his move from Club Brugge.
Asked about the 25-year-old, Adams continued: 'A good player and another one who is about the squad probably kicking his heels desperate to get on.
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'We got him on at Brentford for the last part of the game, but certainly someone who will be involved.'
One City player who will miss the clash with the Shrews is Wes Hoolahan.
The Irish playmaker had been an injury doubt for Saturday's game but started the game, only to be replaced at half-time after a sloppy first-half display.
Adams confirmed Hoolahan will be rested with an eye on Saturday's league trip to the Republic of Ireland's international's former club, Blackpool.
'Wes will have a breather, he looked a little bit tired,' Adams said. 'I don't think it was anything to do with his ankle otherwise he wouldn't have played.
'Wes has been fantastic for us, he just didn't play anywhere near his best on Saturday, everyone knows that, and he'll be back involved at the weekend.'
Which starting XI would you pick for the Shrewsbury game? Leave your comments below or tweet @davefreezer.
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