Burnley manager Eddie Howe believes the Canaries are the perfect 'role models' his club should try to follow.

Howe was full of praise for Paul Lambert's team after they inflicted a 4-1 FA Cup defeat on his Championship play-off hopefuls, who had taken four points from Norwich last season.

'I think they're a good side. They've definitely improved the squad and got some good players,' said Howe. 'They're excelling in the Premier League and getting some consistent results. They're a difficult side to beat and I think they showed they have improved.

'They played their diamond today and it's a difficult system to combat when they play it as well as they did.

'I thought we started well and had a couple of chances, and then conceded two poor goals from our point of view. We did well to get ourselves back in the game so early on, and showed good character. But the second half was different and I think once they got the third goal it was game over.

'But in the second half we didn't really get going and full credit to Norwich. I thought they dominated the ball and really it was a poor end to the game for us because we were just seeing out time.'

The 34-year-old Howe did not confine his praise to Saturday's third round performance, however.

'I do think we have to look at Norwich as our role model, really, and a club we want to emulate,' he said. 'The success they've had coming from League One, all credit to their manager and their players, and we've got to hopefully follow a similar path.

'Their team spirit is something that really stands out as well, so there are a lot of things to look at from our point of view to say that's the route we want to take.'

Howe felt Burnley still had a chance at 2-1 down, especially when City skipper Grant Holt missed a penalty awarded for handball by striker Charlie Austin.

'I didn't think it was a penalty. I thought it was really harsh on Charlie. It was very, very close and he had no chance to react. I think the linesman gave it in the end,' said Howe.

'I thought we did create chances and of course their 'keeper made some good saves in the first half.

'But just looking at us, we weren't at full strength today and I think when you come to a Premier League ground, you need to have your best team with you to have any chance.

'We'll definitely learn from it and, I hope, have a good second half to the season.'