Chris Hughton praises Norwich predecessor Paul Lambert

Lambert returns to face Norwich for the first time

Paul Lambert regrets the manner of his exit from Norwich: ‘It should never have been the way it is,’ he says (PA)

Norwich manager Chris Hughton has praised the job done by Paul Lambert during his tenure at Carrow Road.

Lambert returns to face Norwich for the first time since leaving to take charge of Aston Villa when the two sides meet in the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup tonight.

The 43-year-old left Norwich under something of a cloud after guiding the club to back-to-back promotions and securing a 12th-placed finish in the Barclays Premier League last season.

Hughton replaced Lambert at Carrow Road and, after a slow start, is beginning to pick up results with his side currently unbeaten in 10 games.

The former Newcastle boss has hailed Lambert's contribution during his spell in Norfolk.

"I can only speak about the job that he did here and what I've inherited," he said.

"I have inherited a great group of lads that have integrated the new lads in in a very good way. You only have to look at his achievements in his three years here to see he's been successful."

Villa have been inconsistent in the league this season and currently sit 16th after picking up just three wins.

But they have reached the last eight of the Capital One Cup and Hughton is certain both teams will be keen to advance to the semi-final stage.

"It's a competition that I'd like to make progress in and I'm quite sure that Paul would be exactly the same," he said.

"Irrespective of what this fixture means, one of these teams will get through to a semi-final and I would imagine he's every bit as desperate as I am to get there.

"It's an important trophy for us and it also keeps the momentum going.

"When you're on a run you don't want the run to finish, and we've used this competition very well in the games that we've played, and we hope we can take that into tomorrow's game."

Both Ryan Bennett and Alexander Tettey missed Saturday's enthralling 4-3 win at Swansea and neither will feature for Norwich tonight.

Steven Whittaker and Wes Hoolahan are also doubts but Hughton is pleased with defender Michael Turner's timely return from injury.

"Michael trained today and will be in the squad," he said.

"Whether he has done enough to use him as part of the squad is another decision we have to make, but it is good to have him round and about the group again."

PA