The 33-year-old had played only twice for the Canaries this season before Clement was hired to replace Liam Manning as head coach, but he trusted Duffy with a place in his team at St Andrew’s.

The game ended in disaster, the hosts 4-1 winners and Duffy at fault for Jay Stansfield’s final goal. His boss justified the selection post-match, however, explaining that the Irish international brings leadership qualities he wants in his team.

“For me, everybody starts with a white page,” said Clement. “I don’t know them as people – I need to get to know them now.

“He’s somebody with experience, who has a voice in the team for the coaching from behind. That’s crucial now in this situation also, that we have coaching from behind and not everybody’s defending one-on-one, but that the coaching comes from behind also.

“Other players had less voice this week, so it’s an important part of football. To be in the team you need [to bring] coaching.”

Norwich goalscorer Mathias Kvistgaarden was replaced after just 60 minutes in another puzzling choice by Clement, who said his decision was based on Emiliano Marcondes deserving a chance and other fitness factors.

“It has to do with a lot of things,” continued the 51-year-old. “Emiliano also deserved a chance – he showed good things in training.

“So it’s important to see everybody and also to make rotations in this kind of week to keep everybody fit.”

Matej Jurasek was absent from the matchday squad with illness, but he’s expected to be available when Oxford visit Carrow Road on Tuesday.

“Matej was sick in the last couple of days, so he had a training session today instead of being with the selection,” added Clement. “He’s fit again. Yesterday was the first time that he trained again with the squad, but he missed the days before.

“So he had a good session today, I’m happy. He also did the physical test, like the others did on Tuesday, but he could not do it at that moment because he was sick. It was an okay test, there’s still big progress to make there, but I’m happy that he will be back.

“The more options we have over the next couple of weeks, the better for the squad.”