GLENN ROEDER is still after a big striker to bolster his misfiring side, but meanwhile, midfielder Darel Russell will have to do.

The Canaries were searching for their first goal of the season and trailing to a 55th-minute Blackpool penalty when Russell entered the fray on the hour. He was pushed up front and the gamble paid off 15 minutes later when he earned his side a point. Wes Hoolahan’s corner was nodded goalwards by Dejan Stefanovic and Russell showed a predatory instinct to head home from close range.

Norwich might have gone on to win after that, with Paul Rachubka producing an excellent save to deny Jamie Cureton and defender Ian Evatt almost slicing the ball into his own net, but battling Blackpool held on. The point was reward for a good defensive performance but the visitors will know they would have left empty-handed but for some inept Norwich finishing.

Cureton wasted the best chance on 27 minutes after being put through by Matty Pattison, not even getting his effort on target and when his miscued shot ended up being a decent pass for Arturo Lupoli, the Italian fired wide.

Norwich struggled to maintain the momentum after the break and Blackpool took advantage, moving ahead from virtually their first incisive attack of the game.

David Fox’s precise pass put Adam Hammill clear down the left and when he was brought down by Elliot Omozusi, it was a clear penalty. Ben Burgess sent David Marshall the wrong way.

Fortunately for Norwich, Russell was on hand to lift the mood but his goal papered over the cracks. If Roeder can get the right man in, Norwich could yet be a force to be reckoned with this season. If not, then it could be a long, hard struggle.

Star man: Ian Evatt (Blackpool)

NORWICH: Marshall 7, Omozusi 6, Kennedy 7, Stefanovic 7, Bertrand 6, Hoolahan 8, Clinghan 6, Fotheringham 5, Pattison 7 (Croft 67), Lupoli 5 (Russell 59min, 7), Cureton 6 (Koroma 90min)

BLACKPOOL: Rachubka 7, Coid 6 (Rehman 49min, 5), Evatt 8, Edwards 7, Camara 5, Taylor-Fletcher 6, Fox 6, Jorgensen 7, Wright 6, Hammill 6 (Vaughan 82min), Burgess 7

Referee: K Friend

Attendance: 23,727