Ashley Barnes has hailed Josh Sargent as Norwich City’s ‘best player’ and believes Adam Idah had a role to play in their striking stable.

The American international has netted four goals in seven games since his return from injury, leaping to put Norwich ahead against QPR before they squandered the lead 15 minutes later in Saturday’s 2-2 draw.

Sargent has had a seemingly transformational impact on City’s progress, picking up where he left off after a blistering start to the campaign before his 20-game layoff with an ankle injury sustained in August.

Barnes, who also reflected on his own goal record at Norwich since joining from Burnley in the summer, hailed the impact Sargent has had on City’s fortunes.

“Make no mistake about it, he is our best player without a shadow of a doubt,” Barnes said.

“He is the one that drives us and scores goals. I want to score goals, but as long as he’s scoring and I’m contributing to the play, then so be it.

“People will look at me and my goals, and it’s not good enough. I know that. I want to get better but I don’t care who scores if we win.”

Barnes is a key part of City’s goal-getting department that received a late shake-up in January with Idah joining Celtic on loan and Sydney van Hooijdonk arriving from Bologna on a loan-to-buy deal.

The 34-year-old enjoyed a strong relationship with Idah and acted as a mentor to the Irish international throughout this season.

Whilst Barnes wanted to see Idah stick it out at City, he is rooting for him as he attempts to jumpstart his career in Scotland after frustrations over his game time at Carrow Road.

The Pink Un: Ashley Barnes has a key role to play in Norwich City's striking department.Ashley Barnes has a key role to play in Norwich City's striking department. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

“I would have loved to have had him here. He was a big part of the three of us, and he had a part to play,” Barnes said.

“There will be periods where we will all have different times (on the pitch). I’ve had it last season, but you have to be ready when you’re counted on. There would be times and different moments for people to step up.

“He would have played a vital part, but look, he’s had an unbelievable move now to Celtic, so fair play to them. Hopefully, he keeps scoring the goals, and I’m rooting for him.”