Earnshaw showed the talent that graced Cardiff for seven years

"That was probably my best goal for Norwich and it was good to get it here, a perfect return," said the 25-year-old after the 1-0 win over Cardiff.

"I wanted to pay the club and fans respect so I didn't do a somersault.

"I had a great seven years here and wouldn't do anything to sour it. There was some banter with the crowd in the game but I got an ovation at the end."

The diminutive front man even suggested that he could return to his hometown club at some stage.

He had one chance and buried it Cardiff manager Dave Jones on Earnshaw

"Who knows what could happen?" he told BBC Sport Wales. "I could be back sometime in the future."

Cardiff manager Dave Jones would certainly like someone with Earnshaw's finishing class at his disposal.

"I don't think my two centre-backs will have an easier afternoon given the possession we had, but all credit to 'Earnie'," said Jones.

"He had one chance and buried it while we were unable to do the same at the other end.

"We would have won the game hands down on possession, but one mistake has cost us."

It's taken me a while to settle at Norwich, but it's getting better all the time Rob Earnshaw

Having put his unhappy spell in the Premiership with West Brom behind him, Earnshaw sees a bright future with club and country.

"I hope I impressed [watching Wales manager] John Toshack, I'm desperate to get picked by my country," said Earnshaw.

"[Fellow Wales striker] Craig Bellamy was also in the crowd - we may often be going for the same international place, but he's a good friend and I know he will have enjoyed my goal.

"It's taken me a while to settle at Norwich, but it's getting better all the time and I'm sure things will continue to improve after a good pre-season.

"I'm getting to know the guys at the club and they are learning about the way I play.

"We are looking for a few good signings in the summer and I'm sure we'll be a force next season."