CHRIS Hughton lauded the character of his players after the Canaries’ hard-fought 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

City’s boss had to contend with a growing injury list in the lead up to the match but was very happy with how his players performed in earning three crucial points.

“We’ve had to adapt a little bit and that’s when you look for the strength of character from the players. I’m really delighted for them,” he said when speaking the canaries.co.uk after the final whistle.

“We were at home so of course it’s a game that we really wanted to win, and I think it’s one we deserved to win - more so on the first half performance, where I thought we were very good at times and scored a very good goal.

“You know against a team like Palace – who have got a new manager and are fighting for their lives like everybody – that there was going to be some scary moments but overall I thought we thoroughly deserved it.”

Hughton picked Wes Hoolahan for his first Premier League start since the opening day of the campaign, and was rewarded when the Irishman laid on Gary Hooper for the game’s solitary goal.

The Canaries’ manager was impressed by the selflessness of the assist.

“It was a great touch, and on most occasions when you get a player in that position you would expect them to finish it by themselves,” he added.

“I’m delighted for Wes. It’s never easy when you’re picking a team and we know what Wes gives us. There’s no doubt that he’s a player who, when in a central position, can influence the game.”

Hughton also admitted his pleasure at his side’s resolution in defence and eventual keeping of a clean sheet despite an improved second half showing from the visitors.

“It’s a big part of the game. Against one of Tony’s teams you know it’s going to be tough, and as soon as we saw the team-sheet and that they were going to go 4-4-2, we know that when Tony plays that way it’s very much a pressurised game and they’ll work it off the front.

“We had to be physical and resilient when we needed to be, and consequently it enabled us to keep a clean sheet. I’m almost as pleased with the clean sheet as I am with the result itself.

“It looks a lot healthier, it allows us to have a better night and it also allows to go to what will be a very tough game against Liverpool on Wednesday with a better feel about ourselves.”

'WE SHOWED GREAT CHARACTER'

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