Norwich City: Kenny McLean interview after 4-4 Saints draw

That's the view of City captain Kenny McLean, who felt their frustration at full-time was a testament to the quality of their own performance against a side widely tipped to challenge for promotion this season. 

David Wagner's and Stuart Webber's recruitment drive has centred around altering the group's mentality and ensuring they are suitably equipped to withstand moments of difficulty. 

In a breathless game at St Mary's, Norwich had to respond to the elation of having a lead as well as responding when falling behind. 

Whilst a late penalty denied them three points after Dimi Giannoulis was adjudged to have fouled Kyle Walker-Peters, McLean feels it was a display that shows they have grown as a team since the end of last season. 

"Character is something that towards the end of last season was a fault," McLean reflected post-match at St Mary's.

"We're showing that in abundance now - last week with a last-minute goal because we've got the confidence and belief in our ability to go to the very end. Coming back against a team like that is excellent.

"It is a disappointed dressing room, but on the whole, because you can see the strides we are taking, I think we will reflect on it with a lot more positivity in the days ahead.

"I wouldn't say there was an acceptance last year because that's probably the wrong word but we didn't react to adversity at times.

"We didn't react well to going behind in games or decisions not going our way but now we are mentally and physically in a really good place. We're only going to get better and are only a couple of games into the season and there is a long road ahead."

Darren England's decision to point to the spot robbed City of a second successive win and served as a major point of contention post-match. 

Darren England awarded a late penalty to Southampton in Saturday's 4-4 thriller at St Mary's. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Wagner refused to condemn the referee, instead focusing on other incidents and McLean was also able to channel his frustration when quizzed over the late decision.  

"I think it was soft. Even their players would say so. There is nothing we can do about it now. It's happened," the Scot said. 

"Of course, we're disappointed with it and not happy but running and shouting at the referee - that gets you yellow cards now."