Johannes Hoff Thorup hopes it is lift-off for Ante Crnac, after a first Norwich City goal since his big-money summer move in the 1-1 Championship draw at Stoke City.

The 20-year-old attacker rifled home a half-volley in the Potteries to put Norwich in front, before Million Manhoef’s leveller earned Narcis Pelach’s new club a point.

Crnac arrived from Polish football for a reported initial £8.5m deal, and Thorup is convinced the Croatian Under-21 can be a hit at Carrow Road.

“It is well deserved. We have had better and better performances throughout his time here and he will definitely be even better in the future,” said the City chief. “Like we say about the team performance you know there will be important moments, and it is the same on an individual basis.

"You want to see those moments of top class quality, and he showed that. He has the skill of getting into so many dangerous situations. We just need to support him and also train him so he can be even more efficient in these moments. Good for him, good for us.

“I know Glen (Riddersholm) spoke to him the other day to see if we can support him a little bit, knowing that first goal is so important. But Ante also spoke openly about the difference between Polish football and the Championship.

"There is an intensity, there is less time on the ball and a young player travelling away from home is a big step to a new country. But we are there to support him. If we only had players that could go into the side and perform at 100pc every time, then I have no job as a head coach.”

Back-up keeper George Long also earned praise on his first league start in nearly 12 months.

“He did well. He is supporting the team and he gave us some confidence when we are defending these corner kicks, because he is a physically strong player,” said Thorup. “It was a good performance for him and the first one from the start there could be some nervous moments. I don’t think there was. That was a positive.

“What he gives to the group, I would like to invite you more into the group so you could see. He is always one of the first guys supporting the younger ones, always doing extra and when he is not playing he is supporting. A fantastic guy, and even more competition in that position would be good for us.”

Thorup will provide a fitness update on first choice Angus Gunn when he previews the midweek trip to Preston on Monday afternoon at Colney.

Long is set to deputise again at Deepdale after the Scottish international was ruled out for club and country with a muscular side strain to the rib area, suffered in the previous home league win over Hull City.