Wes Hoolahan has insisted that while it’s an “incredible” achievement for himself, Chris Martin and Grant Holt to notch 60 goals by early March, they couldn’t do it without the help of their team-mates.
The terrific trio were all on the scoresheet in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Yeovil and for the Irishman, it was a first strike since Boxing Day’s 2-0 win over Millwall.
But the ‘Three Musketeers’ were ably assisted by the rest of the starting eleven, with Korey Smith and Gary Doherty in particular putting in sparkling performances.
And after getting back amongst the goals again, he paid tribute to his fellow City stars.
“It’s nice that the goal came,” said Hoolahan, speaking about his second minute opener. “I haven’t really been getting chances, but today it fell for me and I just put it in. I was happy with that.
“It was a great ball in from [Anthony] McNamee and Holty’s header came off the bar and it fell comfortably for me – so it was nice.
“It’s incredible to achieve the 60 goals, but obviously it’s not just down to us. The other lads get involved and make the goals and all that and create a lot of chances for us.
“They work hard and win a lot of tackles for us. But it’s a great achievement and I think the three of us should be proud of it.”
It was certainly a much-improved performance against the Glovers and while City have still been picking up maximum points – apart from the two encounters with Millwall and Southampton – they haven’t been at their fluent best in recent weeks.
And the return to the Canaries’ free-scoring ways coincided with Hoolahan’s switch to the centre of midfield, after his floating role of the past few games.
The former Blackpool man was certainly at the peak of his powers against Terry Skiverton’s men and looked way too good for this level with his trickery and range of passing.
“The team were great, I thought we were excellent – the first time we have really played well in a few weeks. We got the ball down and passed it and looked comfortable doing it.
“We were in control of the game, we passed it nicely, created a lot of chances and from the word go we were right at it.
“I like it in the middle – I like it when I’m facing goal. I see a lot of passes – but obviously where the gaffer puts me I will just do the job and I am just happy and pleased with my performance.
“I think I can influence things more from there and I can get more of the ball and have more options but I’m happy to play in any formation.”
What was also impressive was the amount of ground covered by Hoolahan. The Irishman has been criticised in the past for his inability to track back.
But he showed tremendous hunger and desire at the weekend – getting his foot in at every available opportunity. It’s worth remembering that that side of the game doesn’t necessarily come naturally to the Dubliner.
“The boys mentioned that I was winning headers and winning tackles as well. You just have to do what you can for the team.”
It was another big weekend for the league leaders, as second placed Leeds continued their slump in form with a 1-1 Elland Road draw with Brentford. Fellow promotion hopefuls Swindon also suffered a shock result by going down 4-0 at home to Bristol Rovers.
And Hoolahan admitted that it was part and parcel of League One football, even though he’s obviously delighted that City’s mini blip seems to be over.
“Leeds have a great team and Swindon have been playing really well the last few weeks, but in this league I think anybody can beat anybody on their day.
“We are just churning out results and we are looking around and the rest of them are dropping points and it’s great to see.”
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