David Wagner knows he has a Championship ace up his sleeve in Marcelino Nunez.

The Chilean is yet to start a league game this season after impressive performance from his midfield competition, but Norwich City head coach Wagner says that's through no fault of his own.

Kenny McLean and Gabriel Sara have been two of the Canaries' key men as they've claimed 10 points from their opening six games, with Sara winning August's Championship player of the month award.

The German insists Nunez remains a key asset to him, however, and expects him to be in top shape when he does get a chance.

"Nacho has done great in training, so he deserves to start games," Wagner said. "But obviously sometimes other players deserve it as well, and if they get the shirt he has to do everything when he comes on.

"From my point of view, it is not a question of a doubt that he can show it on Championship level, because we faced a Championship side (Bristol City in the Carabao Cup. He has shown this in this game.

"He played very well. Much fewer turnovers, he took care of the ball. He asked for ball in tight spaces as well, and set up a goal.

"He runs his socks off. I think he ran over 13k (in the Bristol game), which is unbelievable.  It's good to see that the young energetic lads have shown their legs in this game, and Nacho (Nunez) was one of them."

Sara's and McLean's performances have refused to give Nunez a look-in so far, but Wagner believes there's still a chance for the 23-year-old to impress in substitute appearances.

"The guys are not stupid," he continued. "They see how good their competitors play in certain games and situations. Then it's about working hard.

"If you get your chance use it, and this is what the players have done. I think everyone's now hard two or three starts in the first seven games.

"So it's nice to see that our performances are always on a good level. We are still quite early in the season, and we have a very competitive squad together, and a tight squad.

“[Nunez] has to be ready for his next start mentally and physically, and this is exactly what he is. It’s great to have him in our team.”