Norwich City boss Paul Lambert will let Wes Hoolahan decide when he is ready to return and help the club's drive for the Premier League following a hamstring injury.

The Irishman was sorely missed by the Canaries during their 3-0 defeat at Swansea City and he remains a doubt for tonight's Championship clash against Watford.

But Lambert is loathe to throw Hoolahan into the heat of battle before he is certain the injury has thoroughly cleared and insists that the final decision will be left to the man who has played such a key part in helping City rise to second place in the table with just six games to go.

'There's a fine line whether you throw him in because you don't want to damage it more – you can't do that to him,' said Lambert, who revealed the player was at Colney on Sunday receiving intensive treatment while the rest of the squad had the day off.

'It's not fair on him. The best judge of it will be Wes himself and that's what I will go by.'

Hoolahan aside, Lambert said his squad hadn't picked up any more injury concerns.

Marc Tierney was spotted leaving the Liberty Stadium with what looked to be a foot injury but the Canaries boss believes the former Colchester man will declare himself fit.

Lambert revealed on Friday that Chris Martin has started training with the squad again but is unlikely to play any part in the first team until a reserve match can be arranged.

'He's not played any games, he's been out for just over two months,' he said.

'We've been trying to arrange a game for him and if we can get that done then we'll give him a game.'

Tonight's match sees City come up against one of their former heroes, Malky Mackay, whose side must gain three points if they are to keep alive any hope of making the play-offs.

Lambert has a lot of admiration for his fellow Scot, with the pair clearly enjoying each other's company during a brief spell together at Celtic.

'I hate him,' Lambert joked. 'No, he's a top lad, a funny lad.

'He was only at Celtic for a short time when I was there and he couldn't get a game because he was hopeless!

'Being serious though he was a great lad to have around the dressing room.

'I don't know what he's like as a manager but he has done great with Watford and I know he is a big fan of people here.'