Norwich City column: We have to accept inconsistency from this very young Canaries squad

Well, it was fun while it lasted. After the highs of recent weeks, the last seven days have brought Norwich City fans crashing back down to earth with a rather significant bump.

Without pulling any punches, the performances against Derby County and Preston North End were nothing short of abysmal – at a time when we were all hoping Johannes Hoff Thorup’s side would kick on in their bid for a play-off spot.

But if this season has taught us anything, it’s that the only consistency is in fact our inconsistency.

And let’s be honest, when you take the emotion out of it, that should probably be expected from this exceptionally young squad.

If you look at the 15 outfield players on Tuesday night, only two were over the age of 24 years. In fact, seven were 21 years or younger.

To put that into context, I’m reliably informed (by @ncfcnumbers on X), with an average age of 23 years and four days, the starting XI against Preston was the youngest of any City side since 1999.

It was also the first City starting XI in 40 years to feature only two players over the age of 24 years– Shane Duffy and Angus Gunn.

Like most, I’m incredibly excited by this crop of players. I genuinely believe, under Hoff Thorup, we are on the right path towards a return to success.

But at this moment in time, we have to accept inconsistencies from a squad as young as we have ever seen.

Accept the fact that while these players have bags of technical ability and potential, physically they are unable to compete against strong, competitive teams. It is all part of the learning curve.

Both Preston and Derby bullied us at times – and I’m sure plenty of others will take note of that.

The challenge for our boys is to, collectively, learn how to stand up to – and conquer – that challenge.

If they can do so, we will be in a strong position.