Ant: Stick together to beat the drop

ANTHONY PILKINGTON reckons team spirit is the key to Norwich’s bid for Premier League survival.

The Canaries came from behind to beat 10-man QPR at Loftus Road on Monday.

Boss Paul Lambert made five changes to the starting XI – including a first Premier League appearance for former St Mirren midfielder Simon Lappin.

And he is expected to bring in a couple of new faces to help the current group, who have all impressed on their step up to the top flight.

Former Huddersfield winger Pilkington, who scored the equaliser against Rangers – his fifth of the season – feels should Norwich steer clear of a relegation dogfight it will be a collective effort.

“We have got a great squad and whoever comes in does really well, and it is up to them to keep the shirt,” he said.

“We changed the team again and it worked brilliantly. Everyone is working together and there is a great team spirit in there.

Priceless

“All the boys and all the staff – we are working really hard to get our aim at the end of the season.”

After being outclassed by Tottenham at Carrow Road on December 27, Norwich netted a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 with Fulham.

Then came the victory over the Hoops, sealed by a late strike from Wales forward Steve Morison.

Lambert’s men probably need around another five wins from the remaining 18 games to help them pass the fabled 40-point mark.

And Pilkington, 23, feels results like the one at Loftus Road may prove priceless come May.

“It is massive,” he said. “Hopefully, at the end of the season we will look back at these wins and that is what’s kept us up.

“Any away win in this league is huge, especially against one of the teams that are going to be in or around us come the end of the season.

“We are pulling away from the pack now. Hopefully we can keep picking up points and I am sure we will be sitting nicely come May.

“That is all we are looking for – to be in this league next season.”