Jonathan Rowe's starring role in Norwich City's opening day victory over Hull was a long time coming after adversity and injury setbacks. 

The young winger stole the headlines as he marked his first senior City start with a goal and an impressive individual display in their 2-1 win at Carrow Road. 

David Wagner gave Rowe the nod on the right wing after an impressive pre-season campaign. The Canaries' academy graduate repaid that faith by finding the top corner in stoppage time of the first half to draw the game level. 

Rowe caused chaos for Hull's defenders throughout a sparkling performance, becoming the first academy graduate to net on his first start since Darren Eadie back in 1993. 

"When you get on the half turn and show everyone what you can do, that is when your heart starts to race a bit, but you have to stay calm and be professional about it. I was fortunate enough to get a good connection on it. It was a really good feeling.

"You don't really think about what you do in those moments. You let your emotions do the talking.

"Everyone knows what happened last season with back-to-back injuries and all the adversities but I've come out of it stronger," Rowe said.

"I've put the work in over the off-season with my friends in London. It's really paid off. I've started well and feel sharp.

"I've worked on whatever the manager has asked of me and I need to keep improving on all the little things that take me and the team to a better place."

All of Rowe's 18 appearances for the club prior to Saturday's encounter arrived from the bench. 

Injuries halted his progress last term - and Rowe believes that experience has helped him become a stronger player and more mature person. 

"You see what I've just produced and it shows you can become anything. I feel you have to hit rock bottom to receive the benefits when you work your way back up," City's winger said.

The Pink Un: Jonathan Rowe marked his first Norwich City start with a goal. Jonathan Rowe marked his first Norwich City start with a goal. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"I started off with a stress fracture and worked so hard to get back. Then I snapped my ankle out of nowhere in my second session back. It was a freak accident. I had to have surgery.

"I watched from the sidelines while doing conditioning work on my own - it was tough mentally. I didn't go through all that to get on the pitch and do nothing.

"It's been a good learning curve. It's made me more robust, more resilient, more mature and more of a man."