Chris Lakey Andrew Crofts took on Grant Holt's goal-scoring responsibilities, but says the City skipper has been 'running around like a mad man' in an effort to be fit for the Championship curtain-raiser on Friday.

Chris Lakey

Andrew Crofts took on Grant Holt's goal-scoring responsibilities, but says the City skipper has been “running around like a mad man” in an effort to be fit for the Championship curtain-raiser on Friday.

The midfielder scored his first goal in Canaries colours less than a minute into the second half to pull City back to 2-1, but was happier to talk about Holt, who made his reappearance as a sub with 18 minutes to go after being sidelined with a thigh problem since the summer opener at Dereham three weeks ago.

Holt had half-chances to make it a scoring return and Crofts says his presence has lifted the camp.

“It's a massive boost,” said the former Brighton man. “Everyone knows what Grant Holt is about, he's a great player.

“He had a great season last season. He has obviously been injured the last couple of weeks, but I don't think anyone works harder than him. He can't wait to get back.

“In training yesterday he was running around like a mad man, you could tell he couldn't wait to get back playing and that rubs off on people and that's what you want.”

Holt made his mark at Carrow Road last season when he scored 30 goals in all competitions - and Crofts is backing him to score in the Championship.

“Definitely - he will score goals at any level,” he said. “He's done it all his career, he has scored goals for fun and I am sure he will keep doing it.”

Crofts was on target with a thumping header from Adam Drury's cross, but even though fellow new boy Andrew Surman then made it 2-2, Everton's class showed and they ran out 4-2 winners.

However, Crofts believes the attributes City showed against a top Premier League side will be invaluable in the new season.

“It was a great workout today and we can take that into the season now,” he said.

“We responded well even when we went two goals down - I think we were right in the game and it was nice to get back to 2-2. You never want to lose, but it was a great work-out out for the boys and the lads are looking good.

“I think you can see we have some great players in the team, with a lot of ability and we have got that work rate as well, so it is good form and the lads just can't wait for Friday now.

“It's business time on Friday and if we take into that the way we have been playing today I'm sure we will be fine. We want to win every game we play in.”