Elliott Ward had been kept to a watching brief so far this season – like Norwich City fans the world over, relying on Paul Lambert's matchday squads to do the business on the pitch.

So come Saturday's recall to the Canaries' starting XI at Swansea – Ward's first appearance of the season since injuring his knee on City's summer training camp in Germany – there was one, simple thought running through the 27-year-old's head.

'I wanted to come back and make sure I did my job and didn't let the lads down,' said Ward. 'They have done so well this season that you want to continue that with them, so it was good.

'I feel fine. I think it was a good game to come back into, the way Swansea play. The ball is in front of you a lot and it saves your lungs a bit, so it was a good one to come back into and hopefully I'll kick on now.

'It has been a long time coming and there have been a few ups and downs and a bit dark at times. But you have to be strong and come back fighting, and I showed it today.

'It's been hard to watch it all from the sidelines but the best thing about us is the spirit and the lads have carried on what we have done the last two years, and it's nice to watch the lads do well.

'Obviously I support them and we all have one goal, and this is to be in this league. So it's been tough watching but it has been brilliant the way they have played and attacked teams and won games.'

And now Ward can say his has played a part in both that Premier League side and his last sentiment, as City went about Swansea with tempo, energy and ambition that few top flight sides have managed to deliver at the Liberty Stadium this season.

'It was well deserved – especially after going a goal down we showed our spirit and obviously got back into the game early in the second half and kicked on from there, and to be honest I think we could have got a few more goals,' added Ward, as Lambert's men turned an unfortunate half-time deficit into a fourth victory on the road this term with a superb performance after the break.

'Being a goal behind we changed the shape (at half-time) and went for it a bit; luckily we got the goal early and from there kicked on again and got another one quickly, and it was a good finish from Holty for the third.

'The thing is, you have to approach the games with confidence and we have done. The way we're playing and our confidence and team spirit, people sometimes don't know how to deal with that. And we play good football, despite what people say – we showed it today, so we're happy.

'Yes they pass the ball well but I think we pressed them that high today they didn't know what to do. I don't think they have come up against that. I think the way we pressed, we were physical, and I'm not sure if they have a plan B. Today they didn't.

'Other teams are probably scared about how they play, but you have got to have confidence in your own ability and your team ethic and work rate – and you are allowed to tackle. It's a part of the game and as long as you do it right and you are not trying to hurt someone, there's nothing wrong with it.'

Ward's 'colossal' effort on his return went beyond a resolute defensive display – the centre-back turned provider for Grant Holt's equaliser with a remarkable hooked cross, as everyone else assumed Russell Martin's volley was drifting out for a goal-kick.

'The ball was in the air that long I was doing a few circles but I thought it was going out – obviously I turned and I realised it wasn't so I just hooked it back in and I'll take an assist for that,' said Ward.

'It was in the air that long I think some of the lads were running back for a goal kick – but you've got to play to the whistle, haven't you?

'To be honest it would have been nice for it to have finished 3-1 at the end but I think the referee was waiting to give something. I don't know where he got (five minutes of injury time) either, the way the game went. There were not too many fouls. There was a bit of pressure but we stood strong.'