Understated Darling plays key role in City

Harry Darling has been forced to show patience with a watching brief at Norwich City in recent months, but has grasped his opportunity in recent weeks amid Ruairi McConville's injury absence.

The defender was key in their away victory at automatic promotion-chasing Millwall on Easter Monday and played a pivotal part as they came from behind at Ashton Gate to blitz their way to an impressive 4-2 victory.

For all of the headlines that Mo Toure's impressive second hat-trick of the season will win, Darling deserves praise for ensuring the foundations were laid in their comeback win in the West Country.

Football matches are always about moments of sliding doors. Darling's crucial intervention to smother Scott Twine's effort from close range may well have been the moment of change, preventing the hosts from doubling their advantage before half-time in a similar manner to what Ipswich achieved in that derby day defeat.

It ensured that, despite being off colour, City headed into the break just one goal behind and prevented the Robins from becoming even more entrenched in their deep block that frustrated Norwich so successfully.

But it wasn't just that one goal-saving block. Darling's contribution defensively was crucial to the win.

The 26-year-old covered the space behind Kellen Fisher superbly all afternoon, especially in the second period, to reduce the threat of the dangerous Cam Pring and Jason Knight down Norwich's right flank. City's right back was struggling to contain the space behind him, with Darling key to securing that area of the pitch through some excellent interventions.

Darling won all three of his aerial duels, with his four clearances bettered only by defensive partner Jose Cordoba. There was a proactivity to his defending that helped Norwich push their line up the pitch in the second period to establish more control with and without the ball.

Harry Darling offered plenty of defensive stability in City's win at Ashton Gate. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

It was also an encouraging afternoon on the ball from the centre half, who completed seven progressive passes, the fourth most in yellow and green, and carried the ball well, with 13 forward movements helping Norwich get up the pitch. His ball retention numbers, reading over 97pc, show his value in possession.

Given that hasn't been his strongest area in his debut campaign at Carrow Road, this was another solid display from Darling, who is still searching for that early form he displayed at the club.

There was a real scramble for his signature last summer after his contract came to an end at Swansea. Darling was among the most sought-after players available on a free transfer, but City's location and the connection with former boss Liam Manning played a key role in his electing to move to the Canaries.

It is probably best described as an average rather than an unsuccessful opening year at the club, but Darling offers solidity and domestic nous that aren't in huge quantities throughout their young squad. It's easy to forget that the defender hasn't reached his prime, despite being the 10th oldest member of this City group.

When compared to last season, all of Darling's defensive metrics and ball-carrying elements, the data that was so strong, is down on his final year at Swansea. Take his interceptions, which were at 8.39 per game, are now at 5.69. That is one example that paints a picture.

Harry Darling showed some flashes of quality in possession for the Canaries. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

There are a multitude of reasons for that. Playing with new players, under new coaches and in differing styles of play all make a significant difference, but it offers a perspective that there is plenty of room for growth within Darling's game. There has been more of a stop-start element to his football this season.

Clement will be aware of that and keen to take the defender on a similar journey that others have enjoyed since his arrival in November. Darling is a big character in City's dressing room and popular among his peers, alongside having real leadership attributes.

Darling hasn't hit top gear yet in yellow and green. All parties will head into the summer knowing there is more to unlock in year two of his time at club.

More performances like the one displayed at Ashton Gate and Darling will kick his Norwich career to another level next season. He faces an almighty fight with McConville for that right-sided defensive starting berth alongside Cordoba.

Harry Darling helped Norwich City regain control of their right side of defence. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

From here, it's about Darling doing enough to keep his place for the final three games before bouncing into next season with more consistency and quality in his bid to become a regular fixture in what everyone hopes will be a push for promotion.

VERDICT: Impressive outing for the defender, who made a crucial intervention to deny Scott Twine a certain goal that would have put Bristol City 2-0 up before the break. Helped Norwich regain control in the second period.

RATING: 7 out of 10