Lambert defends Johnson

NORWICH manager Paul Lambert has launched a staunch defence of Canaries midfielder Bradley Johnson in the wake of criticism from QPR captain Joey Barton and manager Neil Warnock.

Barton was shown a red card for an apparent headbutt on Johnson during the first half of Monday’s Barclays Premier League clash at Loftus Road, a decision which was upheld by an independent Football Association disciplinary panel on appeal.

Warnock had branded Johnson a “disgrace” for his perceived overreaction, while Barton immediately took to Twitter to slam what he viewed as a “ridiculous decision”, claiming the officials had been “conned”.

“I think some of the comments labelled towards Bradley Johnson have been ludicrous,” said Lambert.

“He is my player and he is certainly not a cheat.

“If you are going to label someone that then have a bit of substance to it.

“Spats can happen on the field of play — no doubt about it — and I have been involved in enough myself. But when somebody comments on one of my players, that is when I feel I have to step in.

“Put your own house in order first, but he is certainly not a cheat.”

Lambert remains less than impressed by Warnock’s views on Johnson, who joined the Canaries on a free transfer from Leeds in the summer.

He added: “Neil did his talking on the television. I am just responding, but my player is not a cheat.

“He played with great discipline before and after the incident, but those after-match comments were wrong.

Lambert is expected to freshen up his squad today as Norwich aim to reach the fourth round of the FA for only the third time in 15 seasons.

Warnock, meanwhile, is “working very hard behind the scenes” to bring in new faces to help give his struggling side a boost and has made a £5m bid for Blackburn’s Christopher Samba.

The west Londoners, who visit MK Dons in the FA Cup today, have made no secret of their ambition to make additions during the January transfer window as they look to stave off relegation from the Barclays Premier League.