Debutant goal-scorer Steven Naismith was determined to find a silver lining after seeing his first goal for Norwich City go to waste in yesterday's 5-4 loss to Liverpool.

The Scotland international demonstrated the work rate, tenacity and attacking intent which made Canaries boss Alex Neil so determined to sign him from Everton.

Playing in an attacking midfield role in support of lone striker Dieumerci Mbokani the 29-year-old not only fired a sumptuous strike to put City 2-1 up but also claimed an assist after winning a penalty.

Liverpool full-back Alberto Moreno stupidly had two attempts at kicking Naismith from behind inside his own penalty area in the 53rd minute and Wes Hoolahan gratefully accepted the chance to fire City 3-1 ahead.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Naismith was replaced by Cameron Jerome in the 82nd minute with the Reds 4-3 ahead and looked visibly shattered, having been restricted to limited game-time at Everton in the past two months.

It was no less painful to watch the game's late drama from the substitutes bench though.

'Obviously having lost the game and being comfortably in front, just very disappointing,' Naismith said after his Carrow Road bow ended on a sour note.

'That's the feeling at the moment but I think when we look over the video there is some positives, with the goals and especially how we played in the first half.

'The other points are obviously defending as a team we weren't good enough and that's what's cost us.'

It was the second time the Scot had scored against Liverpool on his debut, having done the same thing for Everton.

The unerring finish from a tight angle in the 41st minute was the first goal for Naismith since scoring for Scotland in a 6-0 away victory over European minnows Gibraltar in October.

His last league goals came in a famous hat-trick against reigning champions Chelsea in a 3-1 win at Goodison Park in September though, so the former Rangers attacker was pleased to end that barren spell.

'For me it was good getting on the score-sheet and getting the penalty,' the £8million signing continued. 'It was great to be playing a big part for Norwich and that's what I've signed to do so long may it continue.

'It was great when big Bass scores and we get a point, which you feel you deserve, and then it goes to real disappointment when you can't see the game out with two minutes to go.'

The Scot had earlier shown plenty of leadership qualities as City battled with Jurgen Klopp's spirited side and hopes that his team-mates will not let the dramatic nature of the defeat get them down.

'I think it was just disappointment that we didn't win the game I'm sure,' Naismith added, of the disappointment enveloping Carrow Road at full-time.

'When we go over the video there's a lot of positives to take from the game so I don't think it will have a massive impact on the confidence of this squad.'