It seems there is a divided loyalty for the family of former England and Leicester City striker Gary Lineker ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash at Carrow Road.

The Match of the Day host took to micro-blogging website Twitter to reveal last weekend that his mother, believed to be named Margaret, is a Norwich City fan.

The surprising revelation came after Manchester United striker Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) said: 'Looking at the league table, can't believe how well Norwich have done so far.'

In response, Norwich City supporter David Head (@David190982) tweeted: 'Shame @GaryLineker_ doesn't give Norwich the credit they deserve on #motd.'

Mr Lineker then took the unusual step of replying to Mr Head, saying: 'You kidding me? My mum's a big Norwich fan. How many times can we say how brilliantly they are doing?'

Mr Head then gave a tongue-in-cheek response, saying: 'They need to be the first game shown on #motd each week not the last, nice to hear your mum likes little old Norwich.'

Attempts to find out why the former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur star's mother supports the Canaries have so far proved unsuccessful.

Mr Lineker's agent, Jon Holmes, was not able to confirm the link and said that the former England striker was away this week enjoying a half-term holiday with his family.

The Wikipedia page for Mr Lineker - not always the most reliable source of facts - lists his mother as being from 'Walsham, Norfolk', which could be North Walsham or South Walsham.

- Can you solve the mystery? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk

- Are you excited about the prospect of Norwich having a cup run? Tweet @davefreezer this afternoon and get your comments in our preview coverage of the big game in tomorrow's Evening News.