ALEX Neil believes Norwich got their just desserts for going all-out for victory in the latter stages against Wanderers.

Such was the importance of three points to the Canaries that they finished the game with attacking trio Cameron Jerome, Lewis Grabban and Gary Hooper on the pitch.

As a result, Neil Lennon was forced to move to a back four and bring on defensive midfield cover in Neil Danns.

Hooper ensured his manager’s gamble worked a treat, and while a draw would have seen the Norfolk men drop to fourth in the table, victory keeps them right on the tail of Championship leaders Bournemouth with four games to play

“We threw caution to the wind, we went for it and it paid off,” said the Norwich boss.

“I would always do that rather than err on the side of caution.

“If you're going to be aggressive or bold, then a lot of times you'll get your reward. I'd rather go for it than not go for it.

“I said to the players at half time that they wouldn't want to have any regrets.

"The last thing I would have wanted to do was come away from the game regretting that I went defensive.

“When you're trying to be successful, it's never easy. It's difficult.

"You've got to work right to the last minute.

"Over the piece I thought we deserved to win it, and thankfully for us at the end we managed to do that.”

Hooper was reluctant to crow about the victory over his former Celtic boss Lennon but was delighted with his late goal.

“He won’t be happy,” he said of the Northern Irishman.

“My first touch wasn't the best after a great win in the air from Cam [Jerome] but then I opened my body up and dinked the 'keeper.

"It dipped at the last minute and then everybody jumped on me.

“That's all I remember. The fans were brilliant all game, so it was great to score in front of them and for them to go mad.

“It could be the most important goal I’ve ever scored because of the goal difference. But we just have to keep winnings games.”