Injuries to Gary Doherty and Craig Fleming will allow Dion Dublin to show his value to Norwich boss Peter Grant when the former England international steps into defence at the weekend.
Dublin has played in his preferred striker's role since joining the Canaries, but knocks sustained by Republic of Ireland international Doherty and veteran Fleming mean that Grant is left with little cover for his clash with Roy Keane's Sunderland.
Former England international Dublin looks likely to partner Jason Shackell at the back as the side look to get their season back on track after the new gaffer's promising start faltered with defeat at Stoke and a draw at home to Colchester.