Norwich City boss Paul Lambert gave a big vote of confidence to goalkeeper Declan Rudd ahead of Sunday's televised Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion at Carrow Road (1.30pm).

The 20-year-old looks certain to replace John Ruddy, suspended for one match after his sending-off at Chelsea, after Lambert confirmed he had not brought in another 'keeper as cover – and was not planning to recall Jed Steer from his loan spell at Yeovil Town.

Asked if he would play Rudd against the Baggies, Lambert said: 'I have to. But I've got no fear about him playing. He's never let me down, never let himself down, so I don't have any problem.

'I trust him. I trust every one of them to do a job.'

The idea of bringing in another 'keeper – possibly a free agent – was discussed but rejected, and there was no plan to bring back 18-year-old Steer from his three-month loan.

'We spoke about it, but Jed's at Yeovil and doing really well for them. For his development he needs to play regular games,' said Lambert. 'We've gone with the decision that John's only going to be out for one game.'

Steer is expected to play for Yeovil in Friday night's League One game at Preston.

Next in line for a goalkeeping spot is 17-year-old Remi Matthews, who played for City Reserves in midweek, but Lambert would not say whether the youngster would be on the bench on Sunday.

'We'll decide Saturday what squad will turn up and whatever decision I make I'll stand by it,' he said.

Striker James Vaughan has a chance of featuring in the squad for the first time this season after being sidelined for seven weeks by a knee injury.

'James has done great. He's looking sharp at the minute in training and I'll decide tomorrow if I put him in the squad,' he said.

City are still without three injured central defenders – Elliott Ward (knee), Daniel Ayala (knee) and Zak Whitbread (hamstring) – and Lambert admitted Ward, still on crutches, was taking longer to recover than expected.

'He's still a bit away. It's taking a bit longer than we thought it would take, which is a bit of a blow for us because he was a big player for us last season and we've not had him,' said Lambert.

City's international quartet were back at Colney today, with Rudd, Andrew Crofts, Steve Morison and Simeon Jackson none the worse for their tour of duty.

'I think Crofty played really, really well for Wales, so did Steve – and Simeon scored for Canada. As long as they come back fit then I'll be happy,' added Lambert.