Allardyce full of praise for Norwich City's attacking spirit

Blackburn chief Sam Allardyce praised Norwich's attacking intent after easing past the Canaries in last night's Carling Cup second round tie at Ewood Park.

Rover's on loan Man United striker Mame Biram Diouf opened his account with a hat-trick before the recalled Jens Berthel Askou grabbed a late consolation.

Allardyce said: “Norwich came and played their part. They didn't sit back or come to defend and we were able to take full advantage of that in the end. We created more than the three goals we did score and it was a fantastic result.

“I thought it was an excellent run out for some of our fringe players. We comfortably go through to the next round and everyone who has come to watch I'm sure enjoyed the game.”

Allardyce is confident Diouf can be a big hit in the Premiership.

He said: “For a player to score a hat-trick is very encouraging for the Premier League campaign. He took up some lovely positions.

“He drifts off to the far post for the first goal and gets himself unmarked and just waits for the flick and he has a tap-in and then pulls away unmarked again and (Morten) Pedersen floats in a lovely ball and he couldn't miss.

“His all round quality was good and he looks like a natural in that position because the movement is not something you can coach. He has a natural instinct to go to those positions.”

The Rovers chief was delighted with Pedersen's pivotal role after managing to extend the Norwegian's contract in the summer.

He said: “He was a major, major signing. It was like going out and spending the best part of �6m to �8m on a new player and it's sometimes difficult to remember that, because he has been here so long we perhaps take him for granted.

“He played up top which is something we did in Sydney during pre-season towards the end of one of the games and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with him. Norwich were a league below us but he caused them lots of problems.”