GARY Hooper was eager to salute a collective team effort after his hat-trick helped Norwich City cruise to a 4-0 win over Blackpool at Carrow Road.

The striker scored twice before the break to put his side firmly in control, before converting a penalty in the second half to complete his treble.

A late free-kick from Nathan Redmond capped a clinical day for the hosts, and after the game Hooper told Norwich City TV: "It was a very good performance, from start to finish.

"We played really well, pressed high and the goals came. You've got to keep a clean sheet, keep the ball and put it in the net.

"We did that; we've had a good week working on things, and today was a good result. It could have been more."

After finding himself on the bench for City's last game against Birmingham City, the 27-year-old was restored to the starting line-up in place of the absent Elliott Bennett.

He repaid the decision of manager Alex Neil in emphatic fashion to keep Norwich within touching distance of the top six, commenting: "I was determined to play today, and to score goals.

"The main thing is the three points, as we need to get into the play-offs. The fans can see what I can do, and my game is about scoring.

"It's getting very tight; I think we're three points off the play-offs and ten points off second. I've got the ball at the end, and to top it off Nathan scored a wonderful free-kick.

"It's a massive three points, and we're going to Charlton on Tuesday to win."

NEXT UP AT CARROW ROAD
Wolves - Saturday February 14, 3pm
Get Tickets

GARY HOOPER: IT'S ALL ABOUT THE POINTS

More Club

#NCFC

Principal Partners

Primary Partners