Don Goodman backs Norwich City move for Kemar Roofe

Norwich have struggled for goals since the American was sidelined for eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a groin injury. That has left Johannes Hoff Thorup limited in terms of forward options with Ashley Barnes in the early stages of his return. 

That has left Ante Crnac as their only senior striking option, while the Canaries experimented using Emiliano Marcondes as a false nine in their 2-0 defeat to Bristol City at the weekend. 

Goodman fears that City could get embroiled in a relegation battle without their mainstay number nine. 

“Josh Sargent is a massive miss for Norwich City. It was the same last season. As soon as he returned to fitness in the new year, he was scoring goals at a rapid rate and propelling Norwich to a play off spot.

“He's been key this season, even though it's Borja Sainz who has been scoring the goals. I don't think Norwich City have seen the best of Ashley Barnes, either, which is obviously down to injuries," he told the Gambling Zone.

“As a team, Norwich have dropped off. They're only three points off the relegation zone and have failed to win in six. Their last two defeats against Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol City are particularly concerning. It looked to me that they were struggling to create chances, let alone score goals.

“They're going to have to do something, whether that's explore the free agent market or promote somebody from the youth team.

"After a tough trip to West Bromwich Albion next, they face Plymouth, Luton, QPR and Portsmouth and will have to take points from that run of fixtures or face being dragged into a relegation battle. Maybe the international break has come at the right time."

Norwich are set for a period without Josh Sargent due to a groin injury. (Image: Daniel Hambury/Focus Images Ltd) Thorup has ruled out a free agent pursuit despite a lack of natural forward options, but Goodman has urged City to reconsider and suggested former Leeds and Rangers striker Roofe as a short-term solution - labelling it as a 'win-win' for both parties. 

“Kemar Roofe has been a decent Championship striker in the past, but I'm a bit concerned that he's been without a club for four months after leaving Rangers," said Goodman. "It's a long time to have not played any football. Is he going to be able to get fit and firing before Sargent and Barnes return?

“But, equally, what have Norwich got to lose with signing someone like Kemar Roofe? They could sign him on a short-term deal and almost take him on trial. It would be a win-win for both parties who have very little to lose.”