Max Aarons has welcomed in the international break, believing it provides an opportunity for Norwich City to catch their breath before the final eight games of the season.

City recorded a goalless draw away at Stoke on Saturday and sit three points outside the play-off places.

Despite it now being three matches without a win following that impressive result away at Millwall earlier this month – they are still firmly in the hunt to be in the top six come the end of the campaign, even if their performances have lacked consistency.

David Wagner opted for solidity over his conventional tactical approach to ensure his side got a result in Staffordshire amid injuries and this game being their third in six days.

Aarons is hoping that – after a loss of momentum in the last three games – the break offers a chance for a reset.

“If we were starting to really hit form now, you would say that it hasn’t come at the best time but now everyone can freshen up whether they are going away or getting rest and come back on the same page so we can start sharp against Sheffield.

“It has come at a good time for us. Everyone can go away after two draws; it is what it is, it’s disappointing, but today it is okay,” Aarons said.

“There is a different feeling come out of that than in midweek in that we threw away what would have been a really big win.

“We should have beaten Huddersfield in midweek. We knew coming here, and the boss said before the game, that they were on a good run of form, so we came knowing that we wanted to be very solid.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t create more or have more of the ball, but it was our plan today. A hard-fought point.”

After the break, Norwich will face second-placed Sheffield United, play-off contending rivals Blackburn and high-flying Middlesbrough.

The Pink Un: Norwich City had Angus Gunn to thank for their point against Stoke City on Saturday. Norwich City had Angus Gunn to thank for their point against Stoke City on Saturday. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

City’s record against sides around them throughout this season has been underpar – that will need to change if they are to finish in the top six.

“It’s been a bit odd since the Millwall game but it’s hard because we’re working on different things,” he said.

“We have eight games left and they are all massively important. At worst, we want to be reaching the play-offs – that’s our goal.

“We’ve got some tough games coming up against teams around us. When we come back, if we get a good performance against Sheffield United then anything is possible.”