The Yell Army are being called into action once more - to try and help Norwich City's players and staff ensure Premier League survival is secured.

Eastern Daily Press: Canaries chief executive David McNally does his part in turning Carrow Road into a cauldron of noise before the Reading game. Picture: Steve AdamsCanaries chief executive David McNally does his part in turning Carrow Road into a cauldron of noise before the Reading game. Picture: Steve Adams

Two weeks ago the football club teamed up with the Norwich Evening News to call on supporters to create a cauldron of noise for City's crunch clash with Reading at Carrow Road.

Over 24,000 clap-banners were distributed at the game to help raise the noise levels and the Canaries faithful responded in style, helping lift their side to a vital 2-1 win.

That success lifted City seven points clear of third-from-bottom Wigan Athletic but a 1-0 loss at Stoke City on Saturday, and Wigan drawing 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur, means Chris Hughton's team are still not quite safe.

Wigan have one more game to play than City as well, meaning a Carrow Road victory against former manager Paul Lambert's Aston Villa this Saturday is still much needed.

The clap-banners will again be distributed at the game and City chief executive, David McNally, is calling for the club's loyal support to once again lift their team.

'The supporters were fantastic from start to finish at the Reading game,' Mr McNally said. 'They made a real difference, the noise and the atmosphere made a huge difference and was commented on by the manager (Chris Hughton) and all the players.

'We are not safe yet, there is still work to be done so everyone needs to get behind the team again on Saturday and really support in the way they did against Reading, which was terrific. I've never heard Carrow Road as noisy in my time here.

'The players want to inspire the fans but the fans can also inspire the players. I know it's a cliche but the fans really can be the 12th man and can make the difference in helping us to get over the finishing line.'

Just as in the run-up to the Reading match, victory in the FA Youth Cup for City's under-18 side has helped lift spirits.

More than 21,500 people watched the youth team beat Chelsea in the first leg of the final on Monday night, with many young fans bringing their clap-banners from the Reading game with them.

Mr McNally added: 'How sensational was it to have over 20,000 supporters at Carrow Road for an under-18 game?! It made a huge difference to the under-18 players, they couldn't believe the atmosphere and support given to them.

'It helped them achieve a good result, now let's do the same with the first team against Villa on Saturday.'

Paul Lambert has already come back to haunt City this season, with Villa winning 4-1 at Carrow Road in the quarter-final of the Carling Cup in December.

His side beat Sunderland 6-1 on Monday night and are now just one point behind City, who despite sitting in 14th position can still not relax.

So the Yell Army are once again being deployed to try and drive their team to a hugely valuable win.

Tim Williams, development editor of the Norwich Evening News, said: 'We were overwhelmed by the response to the Yell Army campaign from Canaries fans before the Reading game – now we all need to dig deep again for the Aston Villa match.

'Beating Villa may not be essential for Premier League survival but winning will certainly make the end of the season a lot more enjoyable for everyone connected with Norwich City.

'So come on Yell Army, get right behind your team again and help inspire them to another important win.'

- Send us your photos from the Reading game at www.iwitness24.co.uk and send your messages of support to the City team on Twitter using the hashtag #YellArmy