SCOTT Parker hailed his young charges for their battling display and “endeavour” away at Norwich City in the League Cup, although he also admitted that his side could have put the game to bed far earlier.

First-half goals from Canaries’ Jordan Hugill and Cherries’ Emi Marcondes were added to by substitutes Adam Idah and Brooklyn Genesini late on, with the tie eventually decided by penalties.

However, the away side had numerous opportunities, with a combination of the crossbar and City goalkeeper Angus Gunn keeping Cherries out for large periods of the game.

Speaking after advancing, Parker shared: “Overall, it was a good night.

“I thought the way we played tonight was fantastic, really. The game probably should have been out of sight in that sense.

“The keeper, he was absolutely exceptional for them. He pulled off some incredible saves, really. And we've probably not done a lot wrong other than we've hit the target in those moments.

“And, I mean, he's making saves where he’s just not got the right to do.

“I thought overall, I thought we were superb. Controlled the large parts, had some big chances and then showed big character at the end.

“To go down 2-1, with a young team on the pitch as well, to come back and then get that equaliser later on was very pleasing.”

Parker then went on to share his belief that Norwich will be there or thereabouts in the second tier come the end of the season, stressing how impressive his side looked at times against what he views as a “very good side.”

He continued: “I thought we had a real endeavour about us.

“I thought we had some lovely bits and created and unlock the door, really, for big opportunities against a very good side.

“This is a team that's going to be in and around the top part of the table this year, looking to get promoted into the Premier League.

“And I thought we came here tonight and really put a strong performance in.”