Holt unconcerned by goal drought

Norwich striker Grant Holt insists he wasn’t worried by the goal drought which ended on Saturday in the club’s 4-3 win over Swansea.

The 31-year-old ended an eight-game dry spell by netting against Michael Laudrup’s team as Norwich continued their ascent up the Premier League table.

Chris Hughton’s side are unbeaten since losing to Chelsea on October 6, and Holt believes he has contributed to that run, despite not scoring.

“People go on about a goal drought, but it wasn’t like the chances have been coming,” he said.

“I hope I’ve been doing a good job for the team and that people around me can see that.

“If I was missing chances week in, week out then I’d take any criticism coming my way. But they’ve been falling to other people and they’ve been putting them away, so it doesn’t bother me.”

Norwich are now preparing for a League Cup quarter-final tie against Aston Villa on Tuesday, when former boss Paul Lambert will return to Carrow Road for the first time.

“It’s been a long time since Norwich have had a really good cup run,” Holt said. “But we are at home and will be expected to go out and give a performance.

“We expect to win the game. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get into the semi-finals. We’re in great form and we’ll take the same mentality into that game.

“Nobody can criticise what Paul did for the club and I’m sure it will be a bit strange for him coming back and being on the other side of the dugout.

“He’ll be listening to the fans that have sung his name and hailed him. It will be weird, but we’ll get on with it and try to beat him like any other manager.”