Norwich must 'crack on' despite defeats - Duffy

Shane Duffy has played 55 games for Norwich since arriving in the summer of 2023

Norwich City defender Shane Duffy urged the team to learn quickly and "crack on again" following two defeats away from home in the space of four days.

The Canaries were just one point outside the play-off places following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough in their most recent home game.

But losses to Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday have dropped them to 12th in the Championship, although only three points outside the top six.

"I want us to be hurt about how we lost, not that we lost," Duffy told BBC Radio Norfolk following the game at Hillsborough.

Norwich are currently affected by injuries within the squad, a similar situation to one they suffered at the same time last season.

Senior centre-forwards Ashley Barnes and Josh Sargent are again among those on the sidelines.

"There are people who are not happy when they're not playing, so this is a chance for them to step up, and that's what football is all about," Duffy said.

"Everyone knows there's going to be injuries at certain points of the season, unfortunately it's key players, but it means opportunities for others - that's what we have a squad for.

"The reality is that's what it is going forward for a while, although we'll get Kenny [McLean] back from suspension."

Republic of Ireland international Duffy is skippering the team in the absence of McLean, who was sent off late on the game against Middlesbrough.

He added: "I've said 'it's a young, really talented squad but you've got to learn quick', even senior players have to learn quick because every three, four days you go again.

"In this league, confidence can go but you've got to forget about it, dust yourself off, don't put yourself down too much, and crack on again."

Norwich are back at Carrow Road - where they have not lost in the league for over a year - on Saturday to take on Bristol City.

Head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup cited Duffy's display against Wednesday, and that of recent signing Emiliano Marcondes, as an example to the rest of the squad.

"The passion he puts into a performance, no matter where we play and no matter who it's against, is impressive to see," the Dane said.

"Emiliano has made a big impact for us, he's really a fighter, but there's a way to go for some of the others.

"Some of the guys were not expecting to be playing from the start so early in the Championship - they do what they can, but at the moment it's not good enough."