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Norwich's Jacob Murphy fired the Canaries ahead at Ewood Park with his first goal for the club

Norwich City made a great start to life back in the Championship following relegation as they battered Owen Coyle's Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Jacob Murphy fired in a 25-yard shot, his first goal for the club, to set the Canaries on their way on 12 minutes.

Further goals from Wes Hoolahan and Cameron Jerome then put Alex Neil's men three up inside 25 minutes.

Steven Naismith added a fourth before Rovers half-time substitute Anthony Stokes headed a debut Ewood Park goal.

Norwich failed to score in five of their last six games in the Premier League - but Alex Neil's side wasted no time in putting that right as they enjoyed their first opening-day victory in 14 years.

In new Blackburn boss Coyle's first game in charge since succeeding former Norwich manager Paul Lambert, his outclassed side were fighting a massive uphill battle before the new season was even half an hour old.

After scoring 10 times last season on loan at Coventry, 21-year-old Murphy netted just 12 minutes into his Canaries debut when he wriggled clear from Adam Henley and was allowed to turn before blasting home a fabulous strike from well outside the box.

Five minutes later, Hoolahan's left-foot shot found the bottom left corner before Jerome found the net for number three. And, on 57 minutes, Naismith's left-foot shot found the bottom right corner.

Stokes' late consolation could not prevent Norwich's third win at Blackburn in 19 visits, and their second in a row, having won 2-1 on their last trip to Ewood in February 2015.

Blackburn Rovers manager Owen Coyle: "I don't think it's one that we wanted, envisaged or anticipated. We started the first 10 minutes very well, on the front foot, and for all intents and purposes, we looked fine.

"Then the lad scores a wonder goal. I'm not sure he'll score too many goals as good as that in his career, but that's the quality Norwich City have.

"They've been clinical and ruthless and punished us for every mistake we've made. Having said that, it's important that in those areas where the Hoolahans and Naismiths are popping the ball off, that we get pressure on the ball and get that tackle in.

"With all due respect, with the first three goals and even the fourth one, we allowed them time to play and, when good players pass and move at pace, it causes anybody problems."

Norwich City boss Alex Neil: "Jacob Murphy earned his start. I played him against Hannover last week. I took him off because I had to solidify the middle of the pitch.

"I spoke to him throughout the week and said 'I'm not now fixing Hannover, I'm preparing to beat Blackburn.' He's responded. It's a fantastic strike.

"He's got the pace to terrify defenders, as he showed with his goal. He's got something in his locker where he can win a game with his quality.

"We wanted to play in a manner which people are going to sit up and take notice of us and know that we mean business this season, and we did all that, which was really pleasing."

Norwich's second goal at Ewood Park was Wes Hoolahan's 40th league goal for the Canaries

Norwich's third goal at Ewood Park was Cameron Jerome's 25th for the club

Former Everton striker Steven Naismith's 57th-minute strike was only his second in a Norwich shirt