Danny Batth was ‘absolutely outstanding’ for David Wagner on his full Championship debut for Norwich City in a dramatic 3-2 win at Cardiff City.

The 33-year-old grabbed his chance in central defence with Ben Gibson and Grant Hanley injured and Shane Duffy suspended.

Batth has had a watching brief in the league, bar late cameos against Birmingham and Coventry, following his summer deadline day arrival on a free transfer.

The former Sunderland stopper was a commanding figure in both boxes in a comeback win at the Bluebirds.

“Absolutely outstanding,” was Wagner’s two-word verdict. “If I should name a player or two players, then for sure Danny, because he was not happy he did not get selected in the past, but he always trained hard, he never sulked, he never moaned. A top professional and when he was asked to perform, then he showed a performance like that.

“How Kenny McLean led this team is outstanding as well, on the pitch in the last games he was the one, and unfortunately only one, maybe consistent performer, but in training as well he pushed the players. These are the two players I can and I would like to name.”

Batth was the leader of a youthful backline that featured Kellen Fisher, Jaden Warner and Przemyslaw Placheta in an unaccustomed full back role. Wagner swapped his full backs at the interval.

“Second half was, from my point of view, very good. We really limited Cardiff,” said the City boss. “They had one opportunity when George (Long) made a great save against (Karlan) Grant. But apart from this, I think we were easily able to score more than two goals. We deserved the win.

"It was a great performance under very difficult circumstances, as you know, and forget the negative run, which we were on, but more we've spoken about injury problems before this game and now we speak about injury crisis. Three centre backs unavailable, two midfielders and forward players.

"We have some problems, but how the players took it on board and reacted was just great to see.”