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Alex Neil says Norwich support Dieumerci Mbokani after Brussels terror attack

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13:  Dieumerci Mbokani of Norwich City in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Stoke City and Norwich
Image: Norwich fully support Dieumerci Mbokani

Manager Alex Neil says the club are totally supportive of the way Dieumerci Mbokani has handled himself since he was caught up in the horrific terror attack in Brussels on 22 March.

The striker was at Brussels airport when the attack took place and, although he was unhurt, he was too traumatised to join up with the Democratic Republic of Congo for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

And Mbokani now says he may quit international football, in the wake of Congolese Football Federation (CFF) president Constant Omari's suggestion that the 30-year-old may be sanctioned for missing the games.

Norwich had no problem with Mbokani spending time with his family in the wake of the attacks and Neil said their only concern was the welfare of their player.

"Mbokani was involved in a potentially life-threatening incident, which is horrific," said Neil. "So we deemed it only necessary we support him in any way we can.

Dieumerci Mbokani (L) celebrates scores Norwich's second goal with Jonny Howson (R) during the Barclays Premier League match against Aston Villa
Image: Mbokani (left) celebrates scoring against Aston Villa

"His safety is the most important thing, first of all, and second of all we want to make sure, mentally, that type of thing doesn't take its toll. It can affect people in different ways.

"He took a few days out with his family, just to get his head round what happened and his response in the last two games has been fantastic.

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"As far as I'm aware, some of the debris [from the explosion] was in and around him, so it wasn't as if it happened and he's just heard it. I think he's seen some things nobody would like to see."

Brussels airport explosion passengers run
Image: Mbokani was caught up in a terrorist attack at Brussels airport

Mbokani is on loan with Norwich from Dynamo Kiev at present but Neil says a permanent deal could be a possibility if the club remains in the top flight.

"We need to focus on staying in the Premier League first," he said. "I think Dieumerci would like to play in the Premier League, not in the Championship.

"Hopefully, when we've got to that stage, maybe we can turn our attentions to building for next season, but not until then.

brussels airport seconds after blast
Image: Brussels airport, seconds after blast

"He's the type of player I'd like to have and if he can remain anything like he has in the last two games, he can make an impact."

Norwich have climbed four points clear of the drop zone after winning their last two matches and will pull level with Crystal Palace  if they can win their massive game at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

Palace are in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle and Neil said: "We're used to the pressure. Tomorrow it won't be a difference for us but it will be different for them.

"Certainly since I've been here, nearly every game has been a high pressure game, playing for something. Last year it was going up, this year it's against relegation.

Alex Neil Manager of Norwich City looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between A.F.C. Bournemouth and Norwich City
Image: Alex Neil says Norwich are used to the pressure

"We understand the next two games are huge (Sunderland visit Carrow Road on 16 April), and Crystal Palace is especially a tough game.

"We've always believed we're good enough to get out of the situation. It's about believing in what you do and sticking to your guns, and coming out the other end.

"Every game will snowball between now and the end of the season. The quicker we can get points, relieves more pressure from us.

"If we can win the next two, then we'll have four games left and be on 37 points, and you'd like to think might be enough."

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