Mohamed Toure backed to have memorable summer as hat-trick sets up Norwich win

Norwich first-team coach Ryan Garry predicted an exciting summer for Mohamed Toure after the young striker’s second-half hat-trick helped seal a 4-2 win at Bristol City.

Sam Morsy’s second-minute goal for the hosts was cancelled out by Toure’s close-range finish six minutes after the break.

The 22-year-old, expected to be part of Australia’s World Cup squad, was then presented with a 70th-minute tap-in by Oscar Schwartau’s fast break before deflecting in Paris Maghoma’s long-range effort to complete his treble.

Jose Cordoba headed Norwich’s fourth after 78 minutes while substitute Sam Bell’s stoppage-time consolation was not enough to prevent Bristol’s first defeat under interim head coach Roy Hodgson.

With head coach Philippe Clement serving a touchline ban, Garry conducted the post-match press conference and was glowing about Toure.

He said: “There is every chance of Mo being in Australia’s starting line-up for their World Cup games and what an experience that promises to be for him.

“We have to be careful not to place too much expectation on him because he is still learning the game. But he is keen to do just that and he is a great lad, always ready to listen

“In the second half of this game, he showed the movement that can take him behind defences and cause them problems. He has already played international football and is ambitious for more.

“It is great for our club to have players involved at international level and it will be very interesting to see how Mo gets on this summer.”

Hodgson, whose previous three games in charge of Bristol City had yielded seven points, was far from downhearted.

He said: “The players are very down and dejected in the dressing because they had the dream of extending the unbeaten run and finishing the season strongly.

“I am more realistic and knew that as well as being capable of winning any Championship game, we were also liable to lose one. Now it is about how they react for what will be another extremely difficult game at Southampton on Tuesday.

“There was a lot to like about how we played in the first half, but we couldn’t hold the lead and the equaliser came after they had threatened to take a grip on the game.

“Their second goal was a particular disappointment because it came when we were pressing to go back in front.

“We had produced some intricate passing but our centre-back was pushed forward, and when the cross was cut out, we were caught by a quick and powerful counter-attack.

“They took their chances, so great credit to them for that, and all we could do then was keep fighting. The fact that we scored our second near the end shows the players did that.”