NORWICH CITY manager Chris Hughton has dismissed speculation that Republic of Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan is on his way out of the club.

Hoolahan did not feature for injury-hit Norwich yesterday as the troubled club drew 1-1 with Fulham at Carrow Road in the third round of the FA Cup.

Injuries to nine first-team players meant Hughton had to ring the changes.

Hoolahan was among those absent amid reports of a move away from Carrow Road, speculation Hughton dismissed.

"Wes reported an injury yesterday and at this moment is having treatment," he said. "There has been no bid that I am aware of, absolutely not.

"It's not our intention to lose players, our intentions are to strengthen what we have got here and to make sure we get these players back fit."

However, there were reports over the weekend that Aston Villa -- who crashed out of the Cup when beaten 2-1 at home by League One side Sheffield United -- had made a bid for the Dubliner, who had started Norwich's last two games.

Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Cardiff manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made a winning start to his reign as his side came from behind to win 2-1 at Newcastle.

The former Manchester United striker made a name for himself coming off the bench to score as a player and perhaps his team is now ready to follow suit. After Papiss Cisse had put the Magpies ahead at St James' Park, substitutes Craig Noone and Fraizer Campbell hit back to secure the win.

Irish Independent