Paddy Davitt Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts hailed hardworking Watford as the perfect Championship template to try and emulate this season. Crofts' well taken goal on his City league debut was the high point of an otherwise disappointing opening night defeat to Malky Mackay's youthful Hornets.

Paddy Davitt

Norwich City midfielder Andrew Crofts hailed hardworking Watford as the perfect Championship template to try and emulate this season.

Crofts' well taken goal on his City league debut was the high point of an otherwise disappointing opening night defeat to Malky Mackay's youthful Hornets.

“I think it showed that really in this division anyone can beat anyone,” said the Welshman. “You have to be on top of your game and whoever is up for it more on the day is going to win more games.

“We were desperate to start with the three points and obviously the first game didn't go our way.

“We gave them two goals and that is always going to be hard but I felt when we did get one back then, of course, the next goal is always going to be the big one.

“We are more than capable of doing well in this division and that is something we have to prove.

“The first half wasn't a great start but, second half, I think we came out and showed how Norwich City want to go about it and want to play but it was a bit too late.

“When we got the first goal we looked like we would nick a draw. It didn't happen, we can't dwell on it, and we have to move on.”

The Welsh international misses tomorrow's home League Cup tie against former club Gillingham after being drafted into John Toshack's squad for the midweek friendly against Luxembourg - but admitted the unique Carrow Road atmosphere had exceeded his expectations.

“I've played about 40 games for Gillingham at this level four or five years ago so I've had a little taste,” he said.

“But this is what it's all about and it was great to be a part of it and play.

“Obviously, you don't want to be involved in a side that has lost but it was great and I can't wait to get out there again and experience that atmosphere. The fans were superb and, rest assured, we are going to win a lot of games here with that sort of support.

“Hopefully the fans can see what we are capable of, that there are positives to take - we just have to make sure we don't concede goals like that and we will be working hard to make sure we don't.”

Watford's opening night win took the gloss off Crofts memorable moment when he raced onto Simeon Jackson's impudent back heel to grab Norwich an early second-half lifeline.

“It was great to see it go in,” said the 26-year-old. “I remember it was a fantastic weighted pass from Jacko to pick me out running behind and I was over the moon to see it go in. It was a shame that it wasn't a goal to see us go on and get three points which was disappointing really.

“I think with the diamond that we play and Foxy (David Fox) sitting there it gives you that licence to get up and down.

“He protects, gets on the ball, and that works really well for the likes of myself and Andrew Surman.

“You could see maybe second-half we could create chances and I think we're always going to score goals.

“I'm going away now with the Welsh lads so I miss Tuesday and Wednesday but then I'll be straight back in and looking forward to the weekend game.”