Josh Murphy is back in from the cold, but with a warning to up his game from Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke.

City’s German chief revealed on Friday afternoon Murphy had now apologised to his team mates for what Farke labelled an ‘unprofessional’ attitude that saw him left out for the midweek Championship win at Middlesbrough.

Farke insisted the City academy starlet still has a big future at Carrow Road, but needs to prove how much he wants it.

“Josh was not professional in his preparation for the Middlesbrough game. For that I did without him,” said Farke. “It was a really hard decision because we had big problems in the offense. It is always a good feeling to have Josh there with his pace and his talent on the pitch, or at least in the squad. The guy was not focused or professional in his behaviour so we did without him and if I have to play 11 centre backs I will. Sometimes when you say we need him on the pitch it helps in the short term but in the long term it is totally the wrong sign. For that, we decided to do without him because that is the only working style I know and want.

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“We spoke about it on Wednesday. He seems to be really reflective and he apologised in front of the group. He has learnt this message and understands it. For me, it is done. He is available for Saturday but for sure he has to prove in the dressing room, on the training pitch and when I bring him back that he understands what it means to be a professional football player. He is still a young guy. I won’t punish him when there is a problem. We just need to speak about these things. We are all humans and we all make mistakes but he is a good character. He is full of potential, he is so important for our future and the squad. We need him with 100pc attitude.

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“This is an important part of his career. He is not 18 any more, he is 22 and these are important years if he is able to bring his career on another level. We are there to help him. We will bring him to the door and explain how to get through it and give him all our support but he is the guy who has to go through the door. If he understands he can have a brilliant future. He has all the ability to be an outstanding player but he must show the right professionalism to work for this club and these fans.”

Farke also had a message for any member of his squad tempted to slack off.

“This is not just about Josh Murphy but in general terms I have spoken many times about this already. I want a special working attitude and all the guys feel honoured to be allowed to work as a football professional,” he said. “It is such a wonderful job and you have to be thankful, especially when you play for such a massive club like Norwich City. You have to be there with a 100pc working attitude and 100pc being professional and disciplined.

“It is a big responsibility that you are allowed to represent this group, the staff, these supporters, the whole club. I mentioned several times when I get the feeling there is a player who is not there with this will to show everything he has got for this club, then I will do without him. Whoever it is. However big his quality or what his name is. I will do without him in each and every situation.”