JOHN Hartson has revealed how he was smarting after his Norwich debut ended in defeat.

The West Brom striker signed on a month's loan during the break for internationals and could have had a hat-trick in his opening game against Bristol City.

Instead, the Wales international went home goalless, while the managerless Canaries lost 3-1 to incur their fifth defeat in six games.

"That was the best debut I've had in my 15 years of playing without scoring a goal," Hartson said.

"I could have scoerd four goals in the first half, and that's no exaggeration.

"At half-time we were sitting there thinking there's only one team in this'. They had a couple of long range efforts but our keeper hasn't had a save to make. So it's ever so disappointing for our supporters, who I felt really got behind us in the first half.

"It was the game of two halves - the old cliche really.

"I've played more than 500 games but I haven't played in many like that where I can't believe we've lost 3-1."

Hartson also believes Norwich are ruing the loss of injured defender Adam Drury.

"That's a big blow for us," he said.

"He's a big player for us and gets forward and I felt him and Simon Lappin worked really well together up until him getting injured."