ALEX Neil praised the players who came into his Norwich City team for Tuesday's 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Rotherham United.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel was among those who started as Neil made eight changes from the weekend draw with Stoke City, and the Dutchman rewarded his manager's faith by netting what turned out to be the winning goal in the second half.

Jonny Howson's sweet strike put the Canaries in the driving seat in the first half, and they saw the game out after van Wolfswinkel's effort despite Paul Green pulling one back for the hosts.

City will now face a home tie against West Bromwich Albion in the Third Round, and Neil was pleased with his side's efforts at the New York Stadium.

"I thought we did well. We made some changes and over the course of the 90 minutes we managed to get most of the players who haven't been featuring some time on the pitch," he told Norwich City TV.

"We applied ourselves really well. Harry Toffolo made his debut for the Club, and Ricky got his goal which was fantastic. He's worked really hard over the last few weeks, his attitude has been first class.

"We've got a lot of really good players that have not been involved. They've been unfortunate because I can only pick 11 players, and the guys who I have picked have been doing really well.

"All they can do is stake their claim, keep doing what they're doing, show a good attitude and work really hard, and their opportunity will come."

Lewis Grabban was absent from Neil's squad for the game against Steve Evans' Sky Bet Championship outfit, with reports regarding the frontman circling during the match.

Responding to those reports after the final whistle, Neil added: "The one thing we don't do is talk about business that should be dealt with behind closed doors. We've never done that, and we'll continue not to do that.

"Lewis wasn't with the squad tonight and that matter will get dealt with internally. There have been bids made by Bournemouth for Lewis, and they have been nowhere near our valuation of him.

"Whatever happens within the Club with any player, it should never be dealt with publicly."

ALEX NEIL: WE APPLIED OURSELVES WELL

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