David Wagner had his say on the key issues around Norwich City's 0-0 Championship play-off semi-final first leg draw against Leeds - including an update on Josh Sargent's fitness.

The key striker was forced to depart in the closing stages of Sunday's stalemate at Carrow Road with what Wagner confirmed was some pain from the ankle he injured earlier this season.

The American had to undergo surgery that ruled him out for nearly four months before a freescoring spell on his return guided the Canaries into the top six.

Wagner sounded a cautiously optimistic note Sargent would be fit for Thursday's second leg at Elland Road in his post-match media.

Fellow forward Ashley Barnes is pushing to be fit for that decisive tie in Yotkshire after missing the last few games with a calf injury.

"Obviously he wasn't able to carry on. I haven't spoken with him or the medical department in any detail. I think he has some problems with his ankle again. But he's a tough guy,” said the City boss. “And obviously it's a big game. I hope and I think he will be fine.

“Jon Rowe got 60 minutes (first start since January 24) and put a shift in as well and that was important. For all the offensive players on the pitch it was not the easiest game, because both defensive lines were very focused, very concentrated and didn't give a lot of space. Now it's time for him and for all of us to recover. And to make sure that we are as fresh as we can be on Thursday.”

Wagner insists he still fancies Norwich’s chances of booking a Wembley play-off final date.

“I'm absolutely fine with the performance and the shift the players put in defensively,” he said. “I think both teams neutralised each other, because there were not a lot of clear cut chances. The game was quite even. I'm in a very positive mood and a very positive mindset after this result. A draw at half-time and we are fully in the game.

"We knew this tie was never going to be decided on the first leg. All cards are still on the table. And on Thursday, we will go again.

“Our aim was to really get in their face, be brave, and we wanted to attack them high up the pitch. I think this worked quite well, without creating clear opportunities. But we kept them far away from our goal.

“The longer the game went on they had more ball possession, but not in dangerous areas. We looked very solid in our mid -block and very focused as well. I've seen a lot of positives defensively.

"Obviously everybody would love to win the game, but I know this semi is not decided in the first game. Game on. We lost both matches in the regular season but now a clean sheet draw is a first step. That is a clear improvement and we will try to take another step on Thursday.”

Wagner spoke to the media on Sunday afternoon at Carrow Road.