Last updated at 11:54, Thursday, 17 January 2013

Norwich City boss Chris Hughton believes Grant Holt’s worth should be measured in more than goals.

Holt’s return from injury for the goalless draw with Newcastle United was a major boost for Norwich’s Premier League survival bid ahead of Saturday’s trip to Liverpool, where the Carlisle-born hitman famously scored in front of the Kop last season.

That strike in a 1-1 draw at Anfield was among a 15-goal haul in Holt’s debut Premier League campaign.

But goals have been thin on the ground this time round for the 31-year-old targetman, from Harraby, who score only four times while leading the line in a solo front-running role.

However, his manager is in no doubt Holt can hit the goal trail over the remaining months of this season.

Hughton said: “In the way we’ve played with Wes Hoolahan just playing off the front, there’s perhaps been a little bit more demand on Grant in his general game as opposed to just goalscoring.

“Probably this season he’s had to sacrifice a little bit of what he’s had here before, for the team, but he doesn’t mind doing that as long as we’re in every game, as long as we have a chance of winning games.

“First and foremost it’s been about getting him back fit. He is a big player for us and for Grant, it’s not just about his goals.

“He’s a big player for us in more ways than one, so certainly we need to get him back fit, but it’s about a team providing opportunities for any striker that plays and Grant would be no different.”

Holt could face more competition in the second half of the season as Hughton continues to be linked with fresh transfer window striking talent to address City’s shortfall in front of goal.

First published at 11:47, Thursday, 17 January 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk