Roeder reveals Evans request

Norwich boss eager for Welsh striker's return

Last updated: 4th September 2008

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Roeder: Targeting Evans return

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Norwich boss Glenn Roeder attempted to capitalise on Robinho's shock move to Manchester City by asking to bring back Ched Evans.

Evans scored 10 goals on loan at Carrow Road last season and accepts his first-team opportunities at Eastlands will be limited by the arrival of Robinho, Jo and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

The 19-year-old striker, who is currently with the Wales squad for their opening World Cup qualifiers, made his Premier League debut as the Blues suffered a striker shortage at the start of the season.

Mark Hughes is reluctant to let him go as he still has three senior strikers out injured in Benjani, Darius Vassell and Valeri Bojinov.

But although Roeder was knocked back on this occasion, the Canaries' boss is hopeful he will get his man later in the season.

Question asked

"I asked the question and was politely told absolutely no," he told the Pink 'Un.

"There is evidently a chance he might go out as an emergency loan sometime during the year. All I can say is I've asked to be kept informed.

"I would love the opportunity to have him back here but I fully understand Mark Hughes wanting to keep him with him.

"No doubt there's a little bit of the Welsh connection in that, and Ched is now going to be working with some of the best players in the world."

Evans admitted he wants to be playing regular first-team football as he prepares for Wales' game against Azerbaijan on Saturday.

"I expect it will be hard for me back at my club," he said. "But I just have to keep playing and working hard, scoring, and hoping.

"I suppose it is a little frustrating, I have worked hard for my chance and then something like this happens, but that's football.

"Maybe some time in the future if I am not involved then it could be another loan, I suppose. I need to be playing games."

Lupoli loan

Arturo Lupoli is currently on a year-long loan at Norwich from Fiorentina and hinted he would consider a permanent move.

The 22-year-old Italian striker has scored two goals in three games so far, although his position has come under threat by the loan signing of Antoine Sibierski from Wigan.

"We'll just have to see how the season goes and if we get in a good position and I do well for the team, you never know," said Lupoli.

"It's going really well for me here, training has been good and this week it's very important to me and the team to keep up match fitness, ready for the next game. We have new players as well so this week is very important for us.

"Sibierski is a good player coming in from the Premiership, so he will be very helpful for the Norwich team and he's the type of player that we're looking for," Lupoli added.

"The manager now knows that he has more options and that is good for the team. I'm confident, but I know I will have to work hard for my place in the squad."