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‘To match their desire and fight is a great credit to the lads’ vows City star
The Norwich City wall blocks Josh Harrop's free-kick, as Preston are held to a goalless draw at Deepdale. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
It wasn't the result Norwich City were hoping for but Grant Hanley found real solace in his team-mates' character, as they held Preston to a goalless draw at Deepdale.
The Canaries' penultimate away trip of a stodgy season brought a rather typical goalless draw – yet resisting a Preston side desperate for a victory that would help keep them in play-off contention is a worthy footnote.
'It was tough for us, with the weather being a big part of that,' said Hanley. 'And these games are always hard. Preston are trying to squeeze themselves into the play-off places, so we knew they were going to come and it was going to be a fight.
'It's hard for the lads to match that at times but credit to the boys because even though we're plugging away in midtable, to match the desire and fight of a Preston side trying to push into the play-offs is a great credit to the lads.
'A draw was probably the right result in the end. I know they had a couple of chances and hit the bar in the first half, but I feel like we had a couple of chances as well and the one big Timm (Klose) hit at the end – I was certain it was in, and I don't know how the referee has never seen the deflection on it, but it was a great block.
Timm Klose goes as close as anyone to earning Norwich City victory over Preston at Deepdale. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
'In these games it's up to the players to motivate themselves and you've got to be professional. It's difficult at times but it's up to the more senior lads in the squad and the more senior players to drag everybody through. I felt the lads did that here.'
That desire was arguably encapsulated by Josh Murphy's defensive efforts, tracking back to block a second-half effort at the far post.
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'Fair play to Josh, he got back and made a great block,' said Hanley. 'When I turned round and saw him there at the back post, I was a bit worried! But that just shows his attitude and what he's willing to give for the team.'
Hanley added: 'I think everyone's on the same page now. People have got to put their egos to the side and not be selfish and do things for themselves, keep their own noses clean.
'They've got to push forward for the team and do their best for the team. And I felt today, everyone showed that.'
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