David Wagner is convinced that goals and assists are just around the corner for winger Onel Hernandez. 

The Cuban international is yet to record a single Championship goal and has mustered just one assist this season, despite making 16 appearances. 

Hernandez's last strike at Carrow Road came in a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United in December 2019, over four years ago. His output has seen him criticised by some Canaries supporters. 

Yet Wagner has offered a defence of the experienced winger - who he believes has shown significant improvement, which he thinks will lead to an improved attacking output being just around the corner. 

"To be totally honest, I think this is not as easy as it might look like. With Onel, if you look at his numbers in terms of assists and goals in recent games, he can be better for sure," Wagner said.

"But, if you look on the tactical side of the game, how energetic he is, how much ground he covers - then he has improved massively on the tactical side. The numbers and energy he gives on the grass, even if it's a week of three games, has consistently been at a good level which I really, really like.

"Goals and assists are just around the corner for him if he can consistently perform on the level that he has done so far.

"We have so many games and we have to freshen up the squad at the right moment. There will be moments where one player starts, and then the next game, the other one will start.

"We have to make sure firstly that we perform, that we are fresh and energetic enough, and then keep the squad healthy after this busy period. The more players you have available, the more you can push forward."

The Pink Un: Borja Sainz is close to his first Norwich City start, according to David Wagner.Borja Sainz is close to his first Norwich City start, according to David Wagner. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

There has been a clamour for summer signing Borja Sainz to be handed his first league start for City, with Wagner suggesting it would arrive during the hectic festive schedule. 

"It's exactly what I said about Onel - Borja is on a super good way to come to this and be reliable, energetic and tactically in the right place as well," City's boss said.

"He's improved in the last few weeks. His start is just around the corner in this busy period which is in front of us."