Scunthorpe centre-back Michael Nelson had better be careful if he has one of those afternoons Norwich City fans experienced from him last season.

'If that guy scores, I'm going to personally kill him,' joked Lambert, before explaining exactly why he expects Nelson to get at least 'a ripple' of applause from his old club before kick-off.

'As I said at the time, he's a proper bloke, a proper man, and I have got a lot of time for him. The move, I left to Michael if he wanted to move on. I just couldn't guarantee him something.

'But he's an absolute gem of a man, a top lad.'

Nelson scored the goals that ultimately secured Norwich's promotion to the Championship as well as the League One title last season, but the opportunity of a lengthy deal at the Iron in January was one Lambert felt only right he passed on to his former player. So today, Lambert will be hoping the centre-back does not get the chance to hurt his old team-mates – which means cutting his supply line.

'He's only a threat if we give corners away, so it's up to us not to give them away and to put Michael on his back foot, which we'll try and do,' said Lambert.

'As a guy I cannot speak highly enough of him. He did absolutely brilliantly for me, and more importantly he did brilliantly for this club. But that will all be out of the window until I see him. When that game kicks off then I hope he has an absolute nightmare.'

City skipper Grant Holt will be the man likely to keep his old team-mate the busiest this afternoon.

'It'll be a good battle; I've played against Nelse before and it is tough, he is strong in the air and I'm looking forward to it,' said Holt, who expects Nelson to be given a warm welcome back to Carrow Road.

'I'd be amazed if he didn't. What Michael did in his time here was fantastic and I think he is one of those players that no matter the club you're a fan of, if he plays for you he always looks like he gives you everything.

'I'm sure he will get a good reception, and hopefully we'll still get one over him.'