Hoolahan gets Hughton endorsement

Norwich manager Chris Hughton has backed Wes Hoolahan to make a major impact for his side after starting their last three games.

The Irishman struggled to hold down a spot in the side earlier in the season as Hughton paired Grant Holt and Steve Morison in attack, but Hughton has never been in doubt of Hoolahan’s ability.

The former Blackpool playmaker assisted Michael Turner’s strike against Aston Villa at the weekend and could be set for an extended run in the side after public backing from his manager.

“My view of Wes hasn’t changed. Before I came here I knew he was a good, influential player,” Hughton told reporters.

“Wes is a good player. He was a good player before I came here. So he’s certainly not going to become a bad player overnight.

“There’s no doubt he’s best used in a central position because he’s somebody you need to get on the ball.

“In pre-season and perhaps at the start of the season I was looking more at playing two strikers. It’s always a bit more difficult to fit him into that – Wes is as good a player as I thought he was.”