Striker Aaron Wilbraham grabbed his first Norwich City goal as fitting reward for playing through the pain barrier in a stunning Championship victory over Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium.

The January signing from Milton Keynes Dons scored the third in the Canaries’ 3-2 victory over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Foxes, a result that keeps them bang in the promotion picture after some of their main rivals dropped points again.

It was the eighth away victory of the season for Paul Lambert’s men. Lambert revealed that Wilbraham had been struggling with a back problem on Monday but “went through it for us”.

And the player himself was delighted to get off the mark on his 13th appearance for City, in front of more than 2,200 travelling fans. He said: “It’s great. I’ve had a few chances coming on as a substitute but I have felt happy with my performances without getting that goal. I think for players who are known goalscorers then it might worry them, but as long as my team-mates are happy with my performances and what I am doing for the team then I am happy.

“As a striker you want to score goals but if they don’t come and the results are right for the team and everything is going well then I am happy. It was a great feeling to score in front of those supporters and being able to celebrate with them. They were quality all game with the singing from start to finish so to score at the end they were behind was great.”

Wes Hoolahan put his penalty mishap from Saturday’s draw with Preston behind him by giving City the lead but Richie Wellens levelled the scores before the interval. Skipper Grant Holt’s penalty and Wilbraham’s effort put City in control inside an hour, before Paul Gallagher reduced the arrears in the final minute of stoppage time.

“It was a great performance by the boys. We controlled the game from start to finish,” said Wilbraham. “Leicester had some decent spells but it was a perfect performance.

“We’re just going to keep going how we are going and see where we are come the end of the season but if we can keep up performances like that then we can stay in a good position.

“I knew they were doing well when I joined and I said when I signed I just wanted to become part of a great side and a great set of lads and that was what I am doing. Everyone in there knows it is in our own hands.”

Lambert said of Wilbraham: “I know people were criticising the guy and didn’t give him a fair chance. But what he has done for me and this football club since he’s been here, I’m absolutely over the moon for him. Since he has been here he has done everything I have asked of him.”