BRYAN Gunn is praying that the pain of defeat will serve as a kick up the backside for his players, as they head into “a massive week” for Norwich City Football Club.

BRYAN Gunn is praying that the pain of defeat will serve as a kick up the backside for his players, as they head into “a massive week” for Norwich City Football Club.

The Canaries boss admits it's down to character now after City's grip on Championship football was loosened even further by relegation rivals Blackpool - and could be hanging by a thread in a week's time.

Just days after a fighting win at QPR, City were humbled in a “six-pointer” at Blackpool to remain in a relegation zone that looks increasingly likely to be cut adrift from the rest. Gunn now has to somehow find the spark he admitted had gone from his team before promotion-chasing Cardiff come to town tomorrow - and strugglers Plymouth visit on Saturday.

“We have to show a lot of character in front of 25,000 people on Tuesday night and I have told the lads that,” said Gunn. “It's down to that now - character. It just makes it a massive week next week. Obviously Cardiff coming to Carrow Road on Tuesday evening will be a very tough game, so we have got to make sure we are still in the hunt after that.

“The Tuesday night feeling (from QPR) has gone now and hopefully they will all be hurting and they will be hurting, when they are at home with their families, and then today we have to get a reaction from the players.

“That's the challenge now, that's the challenge to me, my coaching staff, there's a challenge to the players. We need a reaction Tuesday night.”