The consistently inconsistent Canaries continued on their Championship challenge at the weekend, with an impressive win over Coventry less than a week after the disappointing yet predictable cup exit in Liverpool. 

Mark Robins’ side certainly didn’t come to Carrow Road to park the bus, and began the game pressing our defensive players in an attempt to force errors and capitalise on mistakes.

As a result, it took a while for Norwich to get into their rhythm, causing a stuttering first half performance. However, when we went a goal down, rather than heads dropping it seemed to rally the team and fast, free-flowing football followed to spur the Canaries forward.

It wasn't a perfect display on Saturday, with some of the squad still underperforming.

But it was an occasion when the substitutions had a positive impact on the game, including a brief debut for the new signing, Sidney van Hooijdonk, though too brief to suggest what his contribution might be to the season.

Eastern Daily Press: Sydney Van Hooijdonk came on as a late substitute in the win over Coventry

One of those who came off the bench to influence the fightback was Ashley Barnes, who featured in the build-up play for both goals. A player who has left some fans unimpressed, and yet has been present and correct for many of our best performances and results this term.

His isn’t just about roughing up opposition defenders, but also holds up the ball and supports his fellow forwards; as shown by his exquisite set up for Borja Sainz to score the winner.

The latest three points gained now means we are flirting with the play-off places, matching Sunderland and the Sky Blues on points as we all sit just below the top six. We are now two thirds of the way through the season, with 30 games played and 16 to go.

Our current position seems a fair reflection of our status in the division. Yet if we can sustain the current run, we could break through and become serious contenders for promotion.

That seemed unlikely just two months ago, but as ever the Championship has proven to be a topsy-turvy ride. Where fortunes can do a sudden one-eighty and you can quickly travel up or down the table.

The January transfer window which has just closed, was a low-key affair for the Canaries. It was more about the departure of squad players than major changes to the starting line-up. The exception being Adam Idah’s loan move to Parkhead.

The young Irish striker has had his opportunities limited this season, falling behind Sargent and Barnes in the pecking order, and more often used as an option on the bench. Wagner has suggested he could still return to stake his claim in the side, though that is likely to depend on how the rest of the season plays out for both club and player.

What the window has taught us is that the new sporting director has a cautious approach. Ben Knapper is still a bit of an enigma, clearly taking his time before making decisions. To date he has been tinkering around the edges of the playing squad, rather than making wholesale changes.

Calls from supporters to replace the head coach have recently subsided, perhaps showing that his public support for Wagner and belief that he would eventually deliver have been validated.

Another interpretation is that given the current state of football finances, and a tumultuous couple of years behind the scenes at Carrow Road, he is taking his time and taking stock before making any gamble which might end up costing the club.

Knapper has given little away to the media, and keeps his cards close to his chest. Possibly waiting to see where we are in the summer before making radical changes.

Personally, I am glad of his vigilance and am hopeful that the return of entertaining football to Carrow Road was not fleeting. It was a joy to be back in a bouncing Lower Barclay. Let’s hope we can keep that momentum going.