A lack of out-and-out wingers has been a problem for Norwich City since the start of the season, but with defensive midfielder Liam Gibbs shoved out wide in recent games the issue has become all the more apparent.
Even in Liam Manning’s miserable 15-game tenure, City were forced to flog attacking midfielder Oscar Schwartau on the left wing for several games after Papa Amadou Diallo picked up a serious quad injury in late September.
The January arrival of Ali Ahmed somewhat eased issues on the left. But as has often been the case for the Canaries this season, as one problem is solved, another arises.
Injuries to Matej Jurasek, Ante Crnac and Jovon Makama leave Philippe Clement without an obvious right-wing option.
Clement has responded by shifting the ever-willing Gibbs out wide – and it’s fair to say the 23-year-old isn’t viewed as a long-term solution.
With 11 league games to go, and no right-wingers returning any time soon, Big Phil has a bit of a conundrum on his hands.
Let’s take a look at how he can solve it.
Liam Gibbs
In the recent away match against Leicester City, Gibbs put in arguably his most convincing right-wing performance to-date.
His tenacity caused constant problems for left-back Luke Thomas, who was unable to push forward and contribute to attacks.
That game aside, City have looked very one-dimensional with Gibbs on the right and create very little on that side when he’s positioned there.
The former Ipswich Town man can always be relied upon for hard work and endeavor, but not always quality.
Tony Springett
Springett has enjoyed a surprise resurgence under Clement, making 14 league appearances so far.
His first game under the Belgian, as a left-back during the 3-2 loss away to Watford in December, showed his versatility.
Without sounding too harsh against a player sidelined for more than two years with a serious back injury, Springett probably falls into the Gibbs category when it comes to attacking quality in the Championship.
His work rate, however, cannot be criticised and often proves useful when City are defending a lead.
Amankwah Forson
The 2025/26 campaign has been another frustrating one for Amankwah Forson, with just 11 league appearances out of 35 for the Ghanaian.
Injuries have dominated Forson’s city career so far, evidencing a lack of Championship robustness that Clement so often talks about.
The 23-year-old has been deployed as a right-winger several times under Clement, but often lacks the pace or strength to beat his opponent.
Could he do a job out on the right for a few games? Probably, but his future is undoubtedly as a number 10.
Errol Mundle-Smith
The 19-year-old academy product has shown flashes of promise in his two recent outings as a striker.
Offering pace and trickery, Errol Mundle-Smith is a player I’d be keen to see given a few starts on the right before the season comes to a close.
His rawness brings inconsistency but also bravery that City need on the right.
Jack Stacey
We all remember that away game against Middlesbrough last season, don’t we?
Interim boss Jack Wilshere deployed right-back Jack Stacey on the right in his first game at the helm – and to some success.
With an incredible workrate but unpredictable crossing, Stacey could definitely do a job as a right-winger for the final few games.
The 29-year-old has even been deployed by Clement on the left of a front three in recent games, highlighting City’s issues on the flanks.
Verdict
The fact that no clear option appears from City’s right-wing options tells its own story.
Each player has their own advantages and disadvantages, which possibly points at using different personnel in different circumstances.
For me, Mundle-Smith deserves to be given the nod over Gibbs for the two upcoming home games.
City’s academy pipeline has dried up in recent years despite maintaining Category One status, and you can be sure the powers-that-be will be looking for some return on investment soon.
Let’s see what Errol can do.
