Wise words from Zimbo on Canaries’ trio

Christoph Zimmermann admits Norwich City’s youth brigade have had to grow up fast in the Premier League.

Zimmermann leads a backline that over the past 18 months has seen the emergence of Jamal Lewis, Max Aarons and fellow centre back Ben Godfrey.

Todd Cantwell is now earning rave reviews for his top flight displays, and Zimmermann believes it is all too easy to forget how young they are.

The 26-year-old's return from injury alongside Godfrey brought four points from six, but the duo came in for scrutiny after the manner of Southampton's set piece strikes in the midweek 2-1 Premier League defeat.

"You sometimes take it for granted," said Zimmermann, speaking in the club's last matchday programme." Ben is 21, Jamal 21, Todd's the same age. Max is 19. All of them played for one and a half to two years on the top level. If I would have been that far into my development at that age, I'd have been very happy. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can still achieve.

"What I like about Ben is that he comes to Grant (Hanley), Timm (Klose) and me to ask about certain situations and what we think he should have done better. Even though he plays a lot, he's still keen to learn.

"He always tries to seek advice from more experienced players and that's something that will make him stronger."

Daniel Farke was quick to defend his backline after the Saints' defeat. Zimmermann and pals can expect another test of their ability to defend set pieces in Sunday's Carrow Road duel against Sheffield United.

"When you think about the last two games (before Wednesday) we didn't allow many chances, even at Southampton they had a couple of strikes in general play," he said. "The relationship in the back four was quite good. Our problem was more like we invited them to test us on set pieces."