Norwich boss Peter Grant revealed it was tough love behind his decision to axe Paul Gallacher for City's 3-1 Championship away day special at Barnsley.

Norwich boss Peter Grant revealed it was tough love behind his decision to axe Paul Gallacher for City's 3-1 Championship away day special at Barnsley.

Fulham loan recruit Tony Warner made his debut after completing a season long loan switch on Friday - the Canaries' fourth goal keeper import of Grant's brief tenure.

Youngster Joe Lewis warmed the Oakwell bench as Gallacher remained in Norfolk after a heart-to-heart with his manager.

"Paul is a fantastic pro and he handled himself with great dignity," said Grant. "It's a difficult one and not an easy thing to do. He works hard at his game and then to suddenly bring someone else in - I knew how he would feel. It was my decision for Paul not to travel. It's an emotional thing. You've got to remember we're dealing with human beings. These lads are individuals, not just footballers.

"I explained the situation to Paul before we brought a new keeper in. It was a big decision but one I felt had to be made. It was on my head if it didn't work. I was pleased with Tony. He made two excellent saves, gave us a presence, his distribution is good and he knows this division well."

Midfielder Luke Chadwick was also drafted back into the Barnsley squad after stepping up his injury comeback.

"Getting players back means I can mix up the squad because it's been a little like flogging dead horses at times," he said. "I want competition throughout the side. Lee Croft has scored and with Luke on the way it was perfect timing. I was delighted for Crofty. He has to do the graveyard shift - getting up and down the right, attacking the back post and tucking in to help out our defence."

Teenage striker Chris Martin and Mark Fotheringham both boarded the team boss with minor knocks. Grant also revealed Jason Shackell (dizziness) soldiered on during the Canaries' second half defensive effort at Oakwell.

The Norwich chief admits he now wants to bottle City's successful away formula for tomorrow's Carrow Road Championship acid test against title contenders Derby.

"They are a yardstick to measure ourselves against," he said. "Derby is a top team, very consistent and we're looking forward to it. I want to score some goals at home and put on a performance. It's a chance to see how we match up against one of the best sides, a club going for promotion."