Dean Smith guided his Norwich City side to a penalty shootout win against Birmingham City in round one of the Carabao Cup.
The gaffer made ten changes to the starting lineup tonight, with only Jacob Sørensen still in the side and debut starts for Jonathan Tomkinson, Liam Gibbs and Gabriel Sara.
Dean Smith said: “It wasn’t the most straightforward win, but I was pleased with the performance in general.
"In the first half we probably could have taken more of our chances on the final ball. I was pleased to go in at half time at 2-0.”
The second half saw two goals from the visitors as Jonathan Leko put one past Angus Gunn and Tomkinson turned the ball into the back of his own net.
Dean continued: “The second half was more stop-start; we lacked a little more fluidity. That probably had to do with the number of subs that both teams were making, with games coming up in mind.
“It was the result we deserved because we should never have been taken to penalties. We made a mistake which lead to a goal and unfortunately our mistakes are costing us at the minute.”
Jacob Sørensen put his name on the score sheet in the third minute of injury time in the first half, with a bending ball the floated into the top right corner.
On the Danish international, Dean said: “He is Mr Utility at the minute! He played right back, left back and scored a wonderful goal. I don’t think Danel was meaning to cross it to him, but what a finish, fully deserved for him. He had a good game tonight.”
Sam McCallum went down unprovoked and was substituted on the brink of half time after a foot injury.
“I’m not sure how Sam is. He felt a pain in his foot, which is concerning to be honest especially with Dimi being out as well. I thought he was having a good game as well. We’ll have it assessed and find out as soon as possible.
“I think Lungi showed and has showed before that in the Championship he can certainly play left back.”
The Canaries manager was pleased with a number of individual performance, includingLiam Gibbs, Gabriel Sara and Danel Sinani.
“We know Gibbo has got a great technique and it was a great finish with his penalty, so really pleased for him. A bright prospect for the football club.
“I thought Gabi found his feet in the game and I thought he made some really intelligent runs. He was part of what was a really good 45 minutes.
“Danel Sinani also had a good performance - his goal was a good header. He got into some really intelligent positions, he understands the game really well and he keeps the ball for us and he can be incisive when he gets in the final third.
The draw for round two of the Carabao Cup will take place tomorrow evening after Sheffield Wednesday against Sunderland.