NORWICH City's Jonny Howson saluted an 'important' three points after helping his side to a 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday at Carrow Road.

A fine volley from the midfielder gave the Canaries a 1-0 lead at half-time, before Dieumerci Mbokani sealed victory late on with an emphatic header.

Speaking to Norwich City TV after the Barclays Premier League game, Howson said: "Whenever you play teams who are around you it's about picking up the points.

"That's especially the case at this stage of the season when you've got games coming thick and fast. It's very pleasing to get the three points as at 1-0 you're always slightly vulnerable.

"The game can turn on its head in an instant but the lads dug in to grind a result out. We could have been better on the ball in the second half at times but defended well before hitting them on the break."

Having struck a crucial winner against Swansea City earlier in the season, Howson was again in the right place when it mattered most to fire City in front on 24 minutes.

"It was more of a reaction really," said the 27-year-old as he reflected on his first half opener.

"The ball fell nicely and all I thought about was hitting the target; fortunately it went in. When you've been out of the side you just want to put a good performance in, so it was nice to get on the score-sheet.

"More importantly, we got the three points as well as a clean sheet, which is pleasing. We'll take it one game at a time without looking too far ahead because the main aim is to stay in the division.

"There's a long way to go but it's been a memorable year for everyone involved with Norwich. Hopefully we can make more memories in the year to come."

JONNY HOWSON: IT'S BEEN A MEMORABLE YEAR

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