Lambert led Norwich to the League One title last season.

Norwich City boss Paul Lambert insists they are ready for the new season after signing off their preparations with a 4-2 defeat by Everton.

Tim Cahill scored a hat-trick, while Canaries midfielders Andrew Surman and Andrew Crofts netted for the home side.

That completed Norwich's pre-season and Lambert told BBC Radio Norfolk: "I'm glad it's all finished to be honest.

"Now it's for real and the way we're playing at the minute I think we're more than ready."

City kick-off the Championship campaign on Friday when Watford visit Carrow Road, but captain Grant Holt's involvement is still in question.

The 29-year-old striker has been struggling with a thigh injury this summer, but Lambert was pleased to give him 20 minutes against the Toffees.

"It was important, he's not done too much, whether he's match-fit or not remains to be seen but it's good to have him back," he said.

"I'll decide later on, but I thought Chrissy Martin and Jackson are looking really sharp

"I thought Andrew Crofts was terrific for us as well, I'm delighted with the way we're going."

City went 2-0 down in the first half, with Cahill taking advantage of a mistake from goalkeeper John Ruddy and a mix-up between Elliott Ward and Michael Nelson.

Lambert admitted his reaction to the errors was tempered by the fact they happened in a friendly.

"It was a bit better than it would have been if it was next Friday," he said.

"It's irrelevant what happened results-wise here and sometimes you can't legislate for those mistakes.

"All credit though, we came back strongly and some of the football we played was excellent."

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