Olly Lee praised Norwich City Under-21s for their response after battling back to secure a 1-1 draw with Bristol City in the Premier League Cup at the Avant Training Centre.
The young Canaries conceded inside the first minute but continued to push for an equaliser, with substitute Toby Chilvers eventually finding the breakthrough after good work from fellow replacements Botan Ameen and Vinnie Leonard.
“Really pleased,” Lee said. “Very disappointed with how we started. We always want to start halves right, and we've spoken about it a lot recently. It just gives an away team a chance to get on the front foot and makes you play catch-up.
“I was always confident that we'd get ourselves back in, but unfortunately we just couldn't find the winner, which is frustrating. We must start games better.”
Despite falling behind early, Lee believes his players are continuing to develop their character and confidence.
“I back my boys to do it. They're growing in personality, they're growing in character, they're growing in quality,” he said.
“I back us to score against most teams. It bothered me going 1-0 down, but I also know, with 89 minutes to go, I back my team to score.
“We wanted a clean sheet today, and for the most part we got that, but we gave up too many chances. If you give a team a leg up, they've got something to hold on to, and fair play to Bristol, they did that in the end.”
Lee was pleased with the impact of his substitutes, who combined to bring City level, with Leonard returning to action following injury.
“Brilliant. We've asked for that, and I'm very fortunate that I've got a really strong squad now, with boys challenging each other,” he said.
“Vinny played a super pass out, so it's brilliant to have him back. Botan does a super cross, Toby with a super finish. It's things we practise and work on, and full credit to them because they've come on with the right mentality to try and change the game.
“We couldn't get a win, but we got the equaliser. So very, very pleased with those boys.”
Leonard made his first appearance in yellow and green after working hard behind the scenes to recover from injury.
“It's amazing for him to get back in. He's worked so hard behind the scenes,” Lee added.
“It's never easy when you come in, move country, move club, then get your injury and you're not quite fit getting in with the boys. But he's fitted in so well with the lads.
“I love his personality, love his character, and he's got loads to come on the football pitch. He's one I'm excited to work with, I really enjoy working with him day-to-day, and I look forward to the season ahead with him.”