Neil's drive struck Craig Fleming on its way in, but, like any good striker, he insists:
"As far as I am concerned I am claiming it.
"I don't know how long it was when we scored, but it was a great start when I put the ball across and luckily it has gone in there."
He admits, though, he had the chance to score a goal about which there could be no debate, when Matthew Etherington flighted in a cross for him in the second half.
"There were clear cut chances in the second half with the header and a couple of other efforts - another day it goes in and it is a different story, really.
"It didn't even hit the target; I got in between the two defenders and at 1-1 if I could have got the winning goal it would have been three points and job done.
"But somehow I have put it wide unfortunately so it is disappointing for all the lads.
"It felt like a bit of a defeat, really - we have had the chances again at 1-0 and 1-1 and it was disappointing, even though Norwich are a decent side, because we have been held at home.
"Most teams in the first division would not be unhappy with 1-1 at home to Norwich but certainly us; we have three home games and we wanted to win all three, so that was a bit of a setback."
One that Trevor Brooking wants to put right in his final game in charge against Burnley.
"There has always been some sort of time factor in the role I had though when I took over I didn't know it was going to be eight weeks," he says.
"But I want to finish on a good note on Saturday because at the start of these three home games you wanted to get a minimum of seven points.
"Norwich was two points dropped so we need to beat Burnley and Forest to keep the pressure on the top teams.
"You have got to make the most of your home games and although we are unbeaten at home we have dropped six points in six matches."
The countdown to Alan Pardew taking over is in its final stage, of course, and Trevor explains:
"I took training on Thursday and will on Friday, then Alan will be coming in on Saturday with his family to see the team first hand for the first time.
"He can poke his head in the dressing room and say 'hello' to the lads - and hopefully they will turn in a performance for the new manager to make sure they are selected for the following Wednesday.
"On Monday the training will be with Alan and he takes it on from there - it is pretty straightforward.
"He knows this division very well and what is required, what perhaps we need as a team to turn some draws into wins.
"I have a nice broadcasting trip on the Monday and Tuesday to Ukraine to see Arsenal so that will definitely keep me out of the way - but I will be back on Wednesday to see the Forest game."