Norwich City: Thorup on Nunez reaction to Millwall sub.

In Norwich City’s 2-1 Boxing Day Championship victory against Millwall, Johannes Hoff Thorup shrugged off Marcelino Nunez’s hooking attempt.

Thorup explained his decision to Jack Stacey after the Chilean was replaced in the 63rd minute.

Nunez missed part of the season due to hamstring concerns, and his coach is determined to prevent a repeat.

“I’m just pleased with his attitude, that he wanted to stay on, he wanted to be in with the boys, and if you think there was so many good things going on, he wanted to score a goal,” added the captain. “That’s great for us because it means he’ll be ready on Sunday (against QPR).

“We scheduled that number of minutes because we still needed to be cautious with Nacho. We estimated that he could last 60 to 65 minutes. And we felt pleased about our decision to change him. We’d just got a great opportunity for Oscar (Schwartau) to make it three against the post.

“Then, of course, a few minutes after they scored. I’m not saying it changed completely, but it did change slightly as we fought to find our rhythm in the game. But we had to do it because we still needed to care for him, and it was critical for us that he be available on Sunday.

“Those were my thoughts behind it. I’ve emphasized many times that we need to be very careful with him since he had a serious injury; being out for eight weeks or so is not a little ailment.

“We really need to be careful, especially throughout the season when there are so many games coming up. We need to make wise selections.”