Liam Gibbs is working hard to improve his attacking output as David Wagner attempts to mould the youngster into a striking option.
Gibbs was used predominantly as a deep-lying midfielder by former head coach Dean Smith, but is seen by current Norwich City boss Wagner in a much more advanced position.
The German has discussed former Ipswich Town youngster Gibbs as a potential solution in the Canaries’ attacking injury crisis, while his first professional goal came from the position at Blackburn in April.
The 20-year-old is still working to feel comfortable up front, however, as he told the club’s official matchday programme OTBC.
“There are very different aspects when I’m playing as a defensive midfielder compared to when I play as an attacking midfielder,” he said. “I enjoy it.
“I like to get forward if I can, to add more goals and assists to my game. Especially if I’m going to be playing in attacking roles and advanced areas of the pitch.
“I need to start creating. That’s what I’m working on and that’s what I’m looking to try and do in the games to come.”
Sargent and Barnes’ injuries came as a significant blow to the Norfolk side and have played a significant part in their positive start sliding in recent weeks.
Gibbs believes he can help fill the gap left by the pair, however, and has been training with assistant head coach Christoph Buhler’s striker group in recent weeks.
“The injuries have been massive, to lose Sargent and Barnes up top, who were our main two strikers,” he continued. “But we’ve got a strong squad, we’ve got players that can fill that role and perform to the standard that they were.
“I’ve been working with Christoph and the other strikers. After training there’s been video analysis, working on the areas of the pitch I need to be in to score goals.
“Then on the actual training pitch, I’m working on scoring them. After training we do finishing drills, patterns of play and movements that we’re trying to do, so that I’m used to the areas of the pitch that I’ll try to receive the ball in.
“Then on game day we hope it all comes naturally and I can just add those goals to my game.”
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