New Norwich signing Mohamed Toure scores fifth goal in three games


Norwich City fans weren't about to hide their new-found love for Mohamed Toure on Valentine's Day, as the young Socceroos star again enchanted them with a goal -- this time making him an instant FA Cup hero.

The 21-year-old Australia international came on as a second-half sub on Saturday to strike his fifth goal in just three matches in a week with a stoppage-time header that put the icing on the Canaries' 3-1 fourth-round victory over fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

Carrow Road has already fallen for their new No. 37 big-time after he scored as sub on his debut at home to Blackburn Rovers last weekend following his move from Danish side Randers FC, and then scored a hat trick in the 3-0 win over Oxford United midweek.

Deciding to give him a rest after his midweek heroics, manager Philippe Clement this time kept Toure under wraps on the bench until he came on to huge cheers just after the hour mark with Norwich leading 1-0.

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West Brom equalised through Josh Maja eight minutes later, before Benjamin Chrisene put Norwich back ahead, leaving the final stage for Toure to seal their passage to the fifth round in the 93rd minute.

He headed home from close range after a dazzling assist from Anis Ben Slimane, who controlled a cross superbly on his chest and nodded across the six-yard box for the Aussie to complete the simplest of jobs, ensuring that he's now scored a goal every 26 minutes in his first week since his move.

It only cemented the supporters' feeling that they've found a diamond in the young Socceroo, who's called his extraordinary start to life at Carrow Road "crazy."

And it's doubtless provided delight for Australia coach Tony Popovic, with the World Cup looming.

It seems Toure just can't do anything wrong since his £2.6 million move from Randers, although Clement did reveal that the shy youngster did fail to deliver his initiation song at the club.

Mohamed Toure
Mohamed Toure
Shaun Brooks - CameraSport

"I don't have the feeling with him that I need to manage him a lot, because he's really humble. He's even quite introvert," said Clement on the eve of the match.

"A funny story about the Oxford game, because the day before, all the new players had to sing a song. That's a tradition.

"I have to say that Mo was not really up to that, and it was not really a big performance. I told him also after the game that I was really happy that this performance on the pitch was much better than in his singing contest!

"He's really humble, really down to earth. He's come from Australia, he's focused and wants to learn and recognises really well the things he needs to work on. He's really hungry to become better. I don't need to manage him."

"It's a crazy start and hopefully we can keep it going," Toure had said after his midweek treble.

"It's been one of my dreams for a long time, coming to England to play football and I didn't expect to be at such a big club so quick. Now I'm here at Norwich and I just want to enjoy every moment."