Josh Sargent feels like a new addition for Norwich City head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup.
City are keen on signing Slavia Prague attacker, Matej Jurasek, in the January transfer window but Sargent is poised to return after missing 14 Championship games via a groin injury.
The US international could get minutes in this weekend’s FA Cup encounter against Brighton if he has a good return to team training.
After Sargent led last season’s play-off bid with 18 goal contributions in 26 league games, City turned down a £20 million plus offer from the MLS in the summer.
This time around, the 24-year-old made 12 appearances and recorded nine goals and assists before being sidelined at the beginning of November.
Thorup noted, “When he rejoins the team, it feels like a new signing.” He’s been out a lot, and I believe his presence in the box is crucial given our current dominant style, especially in the last month or so, when I believe many of our games have been game pictures that we truly desire.
In addition to his charisma, the team will benefit from having him accessible as an alternative. It will be great for us to have him back because he is a strong leader both on and off the pitch.
“Brighton is the plan, but because we put him in team training at the beginning of this week, things might obviously change. We’ll have to see how it goes after that. The goal is to give him some playing time against Brighton if all goes according to plan so that he is completely prepared for the upcoming Championship match.
Following a cup match against the Seagulls, City will face promotion-chasing Sheffield United and Leeds on the road in a difficult doubleheader that will determine whether a spectacular Coventry comeback can define a season.
“We did something a little bit similar, coming from behind, and still got a result in the Middlesbrough game at home,” Thorup remarked. In addition to scoring late in the game, we accomplished it against QPR over Christmas. Coventry was obviously even better than that.
“When I just look at the players and when I look back at it.” When I observe their behaviours and reactions, I see players that are totally committed, focused, and think we can get the most out of them rather than becoming upset when things don’t work out as planned. I’m happy about that since it’s something we can improve upon.
