Neil Warnock praised Cardiff City’s ‘fantastic’ fans after their 3-1 home win against Norwich City.

While Canaries manager Daniel Farke was fuming over second half decisions by the referee, Warnock was overjoyed by a fourth successive win.

“The fans were fantastic and I heard them signing happy birthday,” said Warnock. “It was a fabulous feeling. I’ve had so many birthday wishes this week.

“I’d like to think I gave our supporters a birthday present tonight as well.”

Warnock admitted Cardiff’s first half performance was ‘abysmal’ and praised his coaching staff, Ronnie Jepson and Kevin Blackwell, for their part in setting up a second half revival.

“The lads did me proud in the second half after an abysmal first 45 minutes,” he said. “I wish we could have used five subs, not two (Bogle and Tomlin went on).

“We needed a spark. We had nothing to lose because it had been so bad.

“We 12 minutes to go before half-time I said to Ronnie and Blackie that all we could hope for was reaching half-time at 0-0. Then Norwich scored.

“The players were shellshocked at half-time and I had words with the team. Ronnie, Blackie and I all had our say. I thank them for coming up with the right words and the substitutions worked well.

“I can’t fault the second half display. We could have scored five or six.”

Warnock revealed that he made an error in allowing Joe Ralls to take both second half penalties.

Goalkeeper Angus Gunn saved the second spot-kick and Warnock said: “I have never allowed anybody to take two penalties in a match. I forgot to mention that because we didn’t expect to be awarded two.”

The next Championship match for Cardiff is against Reading away on Monday week.