Press news in...

Dean Smith's pre-Aston Villa press conference is about to begin. Updates to follow.
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DS: “Tzolis is our one confirmed COVID case so he’s isolating. Other than that, we’re fine at the moment.”

DS: "It's always worrying when you've got the PM coming on the screen to tell us what's happening but the last two years we've had that, we got through the first period."

DS: “It’s just the next game. I was manager there a month ago, but not anymore. I move on very quickly and am enjoying life at Norwich. I've got to get three points."

DS: "My only motivation is to win the next game. We need to because of our position in the table and the gap to safety. We've taken 5 points in 5 games under me and we need to take more."

DS: "We can only control the next game and concentrate on our own performances. We're moving in the right direction and hopefully results will follow."

DS: "There's an advantage that obvs I know the majority of strengths & weakness as brought the majority in, think it's just John McGinn that was there before."

DS: “I’ve got to get 3 points. They’ve moved on and I’ve moved on.”

DS: “It’s a crucial period coming up. You can pick up points very quickly, as others can around you. Our performances are moving in the right direction so we just need the results now.”

DS: “VAR has taken away responsibility from on-field refs. Refs on field need to take more responsibility.”

DS: "You shouldn't have to win a penalty, you earn a penalty by the opposition fouling you or a clear handball. There's a lot of players winning penalties."

DS: “We had a virtual Christmas party.”

DS: ""On balance, Buendia should get an excellent reception."

DS: It was enjoyable working with Emi, a good lad, top player, a fiery character. Signed him for a reason because knew he could perform at this level."

DS: "I said from the outset he's not the new Jack Grealish. They don't play similarly, they're very different players. Emi's had a bit of a troubled start, getting injured and then going away with his country and having to isolate for 10 days in Croatia."

DS: "Mathias Normann is not ready to return v Villa but is close to return and Rashica is back out running again so he may be in contention for Arsenal game on Boxing Day."

DS: "Zimmermann is getting closer to a return to running but not available until after Xmas."

DS: "Gibson will train today so has a chance but Omobamidele is likely to be out until after Xmas due to his back problem."

DS: "Grant Hanley has no fracture but is in a sling for next 10 days with a shoulder injury, we're not sure how long, he will have a scan to check for ligament damage, so out for forseeable future. Didn't dislocate but there is ligament damage we think."

DS: It's a blow, captain as well, but when you see someone like that go down and stay down you know there's a problem. I was really pleased with Jacob Sorensen when he came on."

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And that's your lot from Dean Smith this morn.

Posted By: DrDublin, Dec 13, 11:10:37