Norwich City's 3-2 victory at Derby County was marred in controversy, but Josh Sargent has insisted he didn't know the ball had gone out of play in the build-up to the Canaries' opening goal. 

The USA international squared the ball for Borja Sainz to flick in just before half-time, with replays showing the ball was clearly yards out of play after Eiran Cashin's arm had blocked his initial shot behind. 

Despite the protestations of Derby's players, the goal stood with Sainz going on to score a career first hat-trick on the way to a statement win for Johannes Hoff Thorup's men at Pride Park. 

There was also question marks about City's third goal, with some still images showing the ball had gone behind for a corner after Jack Stacey's clearance following Kenzo Goudmijn's saved free kick. 

Sargent was asked about the incident post-match and reiterated the importance of playing to the referee's whistle. 

"No, I wasn't aware. Obviously not. I knew it was close, but you're always taught to play to the whistle. I just continued on with it and I'm happy that they counted it for my friend to get his hat-trick. 

"It was a good finish by a quality player," Sargent told Sky Sports after the victory. "I always want to score when we get into those situations, but again I'm very happy for him. 

"I'm happy anytime that I can score or assist. I'm happy that Borja got his hat trick and that I got my two assists. Of course, I want to score when I can, so hopefully, he can help me get a hat-trick next time."

Sargent has now recorded three assists, all for Sainz, in the Championship this season. Only Tom Fellows at West Brom has created more goals throughout the division. 

The striker has been a talismanic figure in terms of goals for the Canaries throughout 2024, but his selflessness has aided the overall attacking productivity within Thorup's system.