David Wagner is urging Adam Idah to prove him right and spearhead Norwich City’s Championship charge, after Ashley Barnes joined Josh Sargent on the injured list.
Experienced forward Barnes suffered medial knee ligament damage in the second half of the midweek 2-0 home defeat to Leicester.
Barnes does not require surgery but is likely to be out until the other side of the November international break.
Fellow frontman Sargent is sidelined until the new year, after undergoing ankle surgery in recent weeks.
City did sign Nottingham Forest forward Hwang Ui-Jo, following Sargent’s long term diagnosis, but Wagner is backing Idah ahead of Saturday’s long haul trip to Plymouth.
“I don't like to put too much pressure on him. I think he should now enjoy the moments which are ahead of him,” said the Canaries’ boss. “Work hard, especially with Christoph (Buhler) who works a lot with our strikers, and continue what you've done. We expect him to make the further steps.
“He knows (we trust him). We’ve seen the step in his confidence, in his performances in the last games as well. I think he made an impact on Wednesday when he came on, as he has done for Ireland when he scored against the Netherlands. And the games which he played for us as well, where he made an impact with goals and assists.
“Big steps in the last six, seven weeks from the start of the season. So now continue doing what he has done, continue on the same journey, don’t over-think it. He has talent, he has qualities, all he has to make sure is he has the mindset and the willingness to work hard for the team in the defensive period of the game is there.
“He was very strong on Wednesday to take the physical challenges on board as well, because he's a big guy. Do that and he will make the steps. He will be, and he is, an important player for us.”
