Paddy Davitt Stand-in skipper Michael Nelson admitted the Canaries must wise up after their rude Championship awakening against Watford. Nelson conceded City gifted the Hornets a two goal 'head start' in Friday's league opener on their return to the second tier.

Paddy Davitt

Stand-in skipper Michael Nelson admitted the Canaries must wise up after their rude Championship awakening against Watford.

Nelson conceded City gifted the Hornets a two goal 'head start' in Friday's league opener on their return to the second tier.

“Everyone was looking to get off the mark with a win and it hasn't happened but hopefully we can learn from it and kick on again next week,” said the centre-back. “You can't give any team in this league a two goal head start and that is exactly what we did.

“Obviously they got in too easily. You're never happy to see teams score against you and there is always something you can do about it - unless they smash one in from 35 yards. You can always improve so, of course, we'll have a look at the goals, learn from them, and hopefully it won't happen again.”

Nelson insisted his first ever taste of Championship football after a career spent in the lower leagues had not come as a culture shock.

“Yes, it was my first game and hopefully it will get better as the weeks go by,” he said. “We are just trying to get ourselves going and get some points in the near future.

“As a footballer you just go out and play the game that is in front of you - you don't really sort of digest it and think about it being at a higher level. It's hard to tell because during a game really all you're trying to do is go out and just get a result.”

Nelson could be in line to retain the captain's armband if Lambert resists the temptation to restore Grant Holt for tomorrow's League Cup tie against Gillingham. Holt was kept in reserve until the later stages against Watford after an injury-hit pre-season.

“The manager didn't say anything during the build up,” he said. “The gaffer didn't tell me. He just named the team and as it was going in I was told I was captain. I was captain for the two home friendlies with Everton and Newcastle and it was just one of those things - although it was a very proud moment to lead the boys out it was just a shame it couldn't end with a win.

“I can't wait (for Gillingham). It's a little break from the league already and hopefully we can go out, put on a good performance, and get ourselves a little momentum to carry into the weekend.

“I don't know what it is about the opening day but it doesn't seem to go for us. As I say, we can learn lessons from the first game and kick on.”