Paul Lambert hailed Norwich's battling Premier League point against Chelsea at Carrow Road as proof positive of the huge progress under his tenure.

City managed to subdue Chelsea's multi-million pound strikeforce - spearheaded by �50m man Fernando Torres - to seal their first clean sheet of the campaign. Lambert admitted Norwich were forced to defend for long spells, but was delighted to finally clinch a shut out against such illustrious opponents.

'Very much so,' he said. 'I thought John Ruddy was excellent. I think he has been playing really, really well but it wasn't just him. I thought the whole group from the lads up front, to the midfield and the back four put their bodies on the line when they had to. It was a huge point for us. I think it has to be disciplined when you are playing a team at that level. You have to keep your shape or they will pick you off. We don't want to draw, of course, we want to win but I understand people who will say it is a terrific result, because it is. Two years ago we were playing Yeovil, Walsall and Stockport, no disrespect to them. Now you are playing against Chelsea who are used to competing in the Champions League.

'I thought first half we were excellent. Second half, Chelsea had a lot of the ball which they are entitled to do as I think they are a fabulous side. You make no apologies for defending as strongly as we did in that half but in the first half I felt we gave as good as we got.'

Lambert confirmed after the game potential new signing from Leeds, Jonny Howson, had been in the crowd but City's hierarchy have yet to officially confirm Howson's move. The 23-year-old underwent a medical on Friday after agreeing personal terms following City's successful bid earlier in the week. Lambert also revealed Elliott Ward is poised to play some part in next Tuesday's scheduled reserve fixture against Chelsea's second string at Carrow Road after missing all of the campaign with a knee injury.