If you berated Jacob Murphy during the first half of Norwich City’s victory over Barnsley, then you need to have a good look at yourself – so says midfielder Jonny Howson

City's clash with Barnsley was still goalless when the 22-year-old Murphy cut inside but lost his balance and slashed a horrible left-footed shot out for a throw-in, in front of the Snakepit.

That brought harsh chants from parts of a Carrow Road crowd that openly ran out of patience weeks ago.

Murphy responded in the best possible way, scoring his 10th goal of a breakthrough campaign with a neat finish moments before half-time, as Norwich went on to beat Barnsley – by which time, the mood had changed into something more positive.

However, Howson still felt moved to make the point.

Jacob Murphy broke the deadlock against Barnsley last season. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

'He's a young lad and sometimes he needs that experience of maybe making the odd mistake to learn,' said Howson.

'Obviously there was a little bit of a reaction with his shot in the first half and to me, people who do things like that to a young lad that's come through and he's one of your own if you like, they need to probably have a good look at themselves.

'But true credit to Jacob. He pops up with a goal and answers them, so it's obviously another strength of his that whatever set-back or what people might comment, he carries on going. It's a terrific trait to have as a player.

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'Jacob has done terrifically well and I don't think it's just a case of the goals he's scored.

'That is his ability we see day in day out, and obviously I've seen that for a few years – even when he started breaking through.

'But the other aspect is he's played a lot of games this season for us and certainly at this level, I think that's a credit to himself to keep going and keep that shirt.

'OK as a team we haven't possibly performed to what we would've liked, but we've got some top players and for the amount he has played, to keep going every week, I think that's credit to his ability he's got anyway.

'I think for him personally, if he keeps going he is going to be some player.'

Jacob has made 37 first-team appearances this season.

Only Cameron Jerome (14) has more league goals, while only Wes Hoolahan (8) has notched more than his six assists.

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