It was another learning experience for Marley Watkins in midweek – and the forward is sure Norwich City aren’t too far away from getting things right.
The summer signing bagged his first goal since arriving at Carrow Road in the 4-1 Carabao Cup success over Charlton on Tuesday, as well as assisting Josh Murphy’s welcome first-half equaliser.
That came from Watkins stepping up as City’s lone striker in the absence of the injured first-choice duo of Nelson Oliveira and Cameron Jerome.
“That was the first time I’ve played that role in professional football actually,” said Watkins. “Obviously Cam and Nelse had injuries, so I had to step up and I know the role. I thought I did all right and it was good to get a goal and an assist.
“It means a lot to get that first goal for a club. It’s always in the back of your mind when you haven’t got off the mark yet, but it’s good to get off the mark early and long may it continue.
MORE: Watch this week’s PinkUn Show as they discuss the key Norwich City talking points “It’s just about learning new ways and new philosophies. Obviously we’ve still got to have deep runners. I just felt I needed to stay out of the game, keep the centre-backs back and open it up for the ballers like Madders (Maddison) and Wes (Hoolahan). That was my role.”
Fortunately Watkins’ own foot injury wasn’t an issue: “It’s a bit sore but it’s just bruised and the physio said it couldn’t get worse, so it was fine.”
Head coach Daniel Farke’s determination to treat the League Cup seriously was welcomed by Watkins, who hopes the reward will be something football doesn’t tend to do well at.
“I think there is a lot of impatience in football,” added the Welshman. “So it’s just about believing in it taking time – not too much obviously – but believing it will all come together, and we’re working hard every day to get better and better at it.
“It’s about believing in it, sticking to it. I think we’ve dominated most games, we’ve just conceded sloppy goals – so we need to cut those out and take our chances, and then I think we will be successful.
“He (Farke) wants to win every game and wants to go far in the cup. I don’t think the fans get too excited in the early stages but hopefully we get through to the later stages where everyone here gets involved in it.”
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
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