Norwich City FC: 5 Strikers to Cover for James Vaughan

When Paul Lambert made a move for James Vaughan in the summer, he and the fans knew that he was taking a big risk because of the chance Vaughan would succumb to injury at some point. That curse has now returned, and Vaughan will be out of action for at least the next few months.

Norwich City fans will also be somewhat concerned about how many goals the current strikers will get at Premier League level. That all being said, we know it would go against Paul Lambert's principles to sign an established Premier League player, or for that matter a foreign player. Therefore, I have picked out five players playing in the Championship who might be worth a look.

Rickie Lambert

Rickie Lambert has adapted well to life in the Championship and is currently the joint top goal scorer with eight league goals this season.

Lambert has scored goals on a regular basis for Southampton and Bristol Rovers and proved this season that he is capable at playing at a higher level. There is no reason to think that he wouldn't be able to score at Premier League level as well.

Lambert's current league goal-scoring record for Southampton is better than a goal every two games. Out of all the players available outside of the Premier League, Lambert surely has to be the best option.

However, Southampton are flying high in the Championship this season and will want to hang onto their star striker. The other thing to bear in mind is he is 29 years old and may not be seen as a good long-term investment, particularly if the transfer fee is high.

Ross McCormack

Ross McCormack has proved to be a very capable goal scorer in the Championship with his spell with Cardiff and now Leeds. The Scot has started off this season in superb fashion with eight league goals already, and Paul Lambert may feel he deserves a chance to prove himself in the Premier League.

At 25, he would represent a good long-term investment, and playing regularly in the Premier League would increase the player's chances of playing more games for Scotland. The only slight concern is his poor run in front of goal in his second season with Cardiff, which led to his move to Leeds United. 

Charlie Austin

Burnley striker Charlie Austin has been linked with a move to Norwich in the past. The player was superb in League One with Swindon and has proved this season that he can also perform at Championship level. So far this season, Austin has scored six league goals.

Austin is just 22, and Paul Lambert may feel that he is worth a gamble if the price is right. However, Lambert will know it is a gamble, because he may prove not to be good enough for the Premier League, especially considering he was playing League One football only a short time ago.

Ashley Barnes

Brighton's Ashley Barnes scored goals on a regular basis in League One last season. He has also started off life in the Championship well this season with the scoring of five league goals. At 21, he would certainly fit into Paul Lambert's young and hungry criteria. So the only real question—is it too soon for Barnes to move to the Premier League?

Norwich City winger Elliott Bennett would also surely love to link up with Barnes again. However, Brighton are keen to win promotion to the Premier League and will be reluctant sellers.

Marvin Emnes

Marvin Emnes showed a lot of promise on loan at Swansea last season and with Middlesbrough in the early part of this season. The Dutch forward has so far scored five league goals and looked very impressive. With Vaughan out, the pace that Emnes has would be vital for Norwich City.

Lambert may see the player as a bit of a gamble, but at age 23 he might see it as a gamble worth taking. Lambert, though, does need a player who can come in and make an immediate impact.

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