Norwich City defender Jonathan Tomkinson praised the togetherness of the Under-23 team following their 3-0 victory over Southampton on Sunday.
The Under-23s won the match thanks to a hat-trick from Abu Kamara, but it was the work-rate of the team, playing a new system, that Tomkinson said was the main ingredient of their victory.
“It was classy (from Abu),” said Jon. “That is Abu, he will always find the back of the net. I think it was very nice for Jon Rowe (fouled for the second penalty) to give him that penalty. It just shows how together we are and how much we play for each other. We have all grown up together and played together the last few years. I think there is no issue with our chemistry it is just making it happen on the field.
“The boys were all extremely motivated. We all played together and we stuck to the principals that we discussed throughout the week so all in all it was a great performance and I am just really proud and really happy.”
Jon, 19, from the USA, is now one of the more senior members of the under-23 group and has taken the armband for the upcoming season. He says it is a proud moment for him.
“It is a young group of guys, and I am a bit more senior now,” he said. “I just want to give the boys as much guidance as I can, to show them what it is like and what it takes to be successful at this level. I am extremely proud (to be named the captain). I want to be seen as the leader of this team and I want to organise the boys, so to be given the armband is very special for me.”
Asked where he thought the team could improve going into their next fixture against Stoke City at Carrow Road on Friday, Jon added: “I think the press is something that we have discussed a lot. I think it improved a lot today, but there are still things that we can do once they break that press that we can improve on such as better recover runs and things like that. There is still plenty of work to be done but it is definitely a great start.”