Lambert's Colchester beat Norwich 7-1 on the opening day

Norwich boss Paul Lambert thinks automatic promotion is a fair aim.

Since Lambert's arrival in August, they have risen from 18th to fifth in League One, and continued their revival with a 1-0 win over Swindon on Saturday.

"Why not? We're only in October. There's a country mile to go, but for what we've done so far the lads deserve unbelievable credit," he said.

"The lads, along with the crowd, have come back really strongly from the opening day of the season."

Teenage midfielder Korey Smith playing a pivotal role on his return from injury on Saturday.

The 18-year-old was also celebrating after signing a new contract, securing his Carrow Road future until 2012, and Lambert says he was quick to notice Smith's talents.

"I saw him on the first day of training and I thought he had a little bit about him, I thought we missed him against Leeds, and that's a big statement for somebody that's 18 years old," he said.

"He deserves to be rewarded for what he's done so far, as long as he keeps his feet on the ground I think he's going to have a really long career."

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