Ashley Barnes’ Return Big Boost For Norwich City Feels Ex-Canary
Former Norwich City star Chris Sutton believes that Ashley Barnes’ return from injury has restored order in the Canaries squad as he is an enforcer.
The 34-year-old centre-forward joined Norwich in the summer on a free transfer and scored two goals in seven matches before sustaining a knee injury.
With the absence of Josh Sargent and Barnes in their forward department, Norwich have struggled in front of the opposition goal.
Barnes has nurtured himself back from injury and is in contention for the Canaries game against Queens Park Rangers at the weekend and Sutton believes the former Burnley man, who he sees as an enforcer, returning to the squad will restore order in the team and boost boss David Wagner.
Sutton stressed that possessing talented players is not enough unless the squad have the grit, work ethic and determination that Barnes brings to the team.
“One thing that will offer him hope is the return from injury of Ashley Barnes, which before the international break was scheduled to be in time for the Hoops’ trip to NR1”, Sutton wrote in his Pink Un column.
“Injuries have been perhaps the most significant of the challenging circumstances Wagner has faced, and that looks to be easing in the case of the former Burnley man.
“In the weeks preceding that Cardiff turnaround, during which I made clear my feelings that the players had abdicated their own responsibilities, a character like Barnes was desperately needed to restore order amongst his team-mates.
“With that enforcer back in the side there’s a clear improvement coming for Norwich, and a back to basics focus that undoubtedly has been needed.
“People talk about the talent the likes of Gabriel Sara possess, but without the grit, determination and hard work that’s useless to any manager.”
All eyes will be on Wagner on Saturday to see whether he will give Barnes a start against QPR.
