CHRIS LAKEY Peter Grant has called on his City team to carry on the good work after finally ending their miserable run of away flops.The new man in the hot seat got off to a winning start when Canaries rediscovered their early-season form to take the points at Birmingham on Tuesday.

CHRIS LAKEY

Peter Grant has called on his City team to carry on the good work after finally ending their miserable run of away flops.

The new man in the hot seat got off to a winning start when Canaries rediscovered their early-season form to take the points at Birmingham on Tuesday.

But the biggest test of all comes this Saturday when Championship leaders Cardiff come to town - and Grant has demanded there be no let-up.

“I've said to them we know they are capable, now they need to continue it,” said Grant.

“It's so important we go on and win games at Carrow Road as well. The boys will have enjoyed the night, but the next thing is to get three points against the table toppers, Cardiff.”

City had gone seven games without a clean sheet and Grant was quick to pay tribute to a defence which had conceded 17 goals in their previous six games.

“The big thing is it was a clean sheet, which is very important,” he said. “The back four were outstanding and great credit for that.

“It's always the goalscorers when you win games and when you lose games they always blame the back four so they deserve great credit.”

Jason Shackell was credited with the goal, although replays suggest it was Birmingham defender Mat Sadler who got the final touch to Darren Huckerby's free-kick.

“I don't care, I'm giving him it,” laughed Grant. “It was a great delivery and he put people under pressure.

“That's what I say, it doesn't matter whether you're defending the box or attacking the box, make sure we get people attacking the ball. He's done that, he's put people under pressure and we got our reward from it.”

Grant took charge of City just 30 hours after meeting his players for the first time, and praised the backroom team of Doug Livermore, Martin Hunter and Keith Webb for their input.

“The staff I have around me are very organised and understand the game, which is important for me, and they gave great information.

“We made a big call leaving Craig Fleming out and playing Gary Doherty because I think Fleming was outstanding at the weekend, and that is great credit to Martin, Doug and Keith, because they thought that Doherty would be better for this game. That is what my staff is there for and they will give me more information and help me along the road.

“The group thing is massive for me - not just 11 on the pitch but all the boys that were here plus the backroom staff.

“And I have to say a word for the support. I know how difficult it is to come all the way from Norwich to Birmingham. It's been a long time since an away result and hopefully the fans went home swelling.”