Gabriel Sara is Mr Consistent for Norwich City, and David Wagner has backed him to return to his magical best after breaking his goal-scoring duck. 

The Brazilian midfielder has been going through an uncharacteristic dry spell but broke that with a fine finish to restore their lead against Watford on Tuesday night. 

By his own admission, his performance levels have dipped in the Championship of late, but he still boasts some of the most impressive creative numbers in the entire division. 

Sara, who has been ever-present for City this season, is integral to their play-off push and Wagner is hopeful that his return to the scoresheet in midweek will help restore his confidence, even if he believes his displays haven't dropped below average. 

"On one side, nobody should underestimate that he has played more or less every game from the first to the final minute, and he has put on numbers that, in terms of goals and assists, are near the top of our team.

"He works very hard," Wagner said. "Performance wise - some are average, others are above average but he never is never really below par - this is the truth. With Kenny and Nacho, we have guys who can't wait to support and get minutes.

"For him, it was so important to have a goal again. Nothing is better than this goalscoring feeling, and it will give him a further push for sure."

Sara will be one of City's key assets heading into the summer, especially if he can rediscover his high levels of performance to help push them into the top six. 

Wagner rates him as one of the best players in the Championship and hopes that his improvement can coincide with their collective uplift in form. 

"He is an outstanding player. Not only for us but in this division - no one has a doubt about this. It's crystal clear," City's boss said. 

The Pink Un: David Wagner is full of praise for Gabriel Sara.David Wagner is full of praise for Gabriel Sara. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"All the goals, (barring) the penalty which was lucky, were top class. You felt how hungry and positive this team is when Jack Stacey made this tackle in the counterpress to cross for Fassi at the near post. 

"These (the two goals) were two super energetic, positive mindset goals they scored. Gabby's was a fantastic finish as well.

"The guys have done well and are doing well with the one or other setback which you always have in games. Offensively and especially defensively, we have looked sharp in recent games. This will be key again on Saturday."