Lambert unfazed by return to Norwich

Paul Lambert insists his focus is on trying to guide Aston Villa into the Capital One Cup semi-finals rather than any possible backlash from Norwich fans this evening.

Lambert will return to Carrow Road for the first time since his acrimonious departure during the summer to take charge of Villa. The Scot and Norwich, whom he led to successive promotions, are suing each other for breach of contract. But Lambert is more concerned about sustaining the momentum Villa have derived from a four-game unbeaten run.

He said: “My feelings going back will be the same as it would be if it wasn’t Norwich, because it’s a chance to get through another round and that’s what we’ll try to do. I think people will make more of it than I actually will. I’ll just get on with it. It’s another game for me.

“I have always treated football that way. It’s never about me. It’s about the team that goes there and about the fans that come and watch us.”

Lambert believes Villa are playing well enough to test the in-form Canaries, who set a new club record of nine Premier League games without defeat with their weekend win at Swansea.

He said: “It’s a semi-final that is at stake and, if you get through, it keeps that momentum going. I really believe we are playing well. I’ve got no worries about going down there and giving it a right good go. The only teams to turn us over in the last seven or eight games have been the two Manchester clubs. Norwich are going really fine themselves but we’ll be a threat, that’s for sure.”