Norwich City are a better side with Josh Sargent in it, and Jack Stacey believes his impact has taken them to another level in their play-off push. 

Sargent was the match-winner again as City beat Sunderland 1-0 at Carrow Road on Saturday to move within a point of the Championship's top six. 

The difference in output with and without Sargent this season has been stark - Norwich have averaged a points per game rate of one when he's been missing compared to 2.31 with the American. 

That level of impact has not been lost on Stacey, who heaped praise on Sargent after City extended their unbeaten run at Carrow Road to 10 matches. 

"It's not a secret how our form went without him in the team. He is a great player. It's not just his goals but his hold-up play as well and how much we rely on him in our build-up to set the ball.

"I can't speak highly enough of him. A number nine is key to any team, especially one that is going to get you goals, involved in the build-up and is there to get the ball to," Stacey said. 

"If any side lost their number nine for the majority of the season, then it's going to make a difference. To have him back now is a real positive."

The debate now is where Sargent ranks compared to other strikers in the Championship. Only eight players have scored more goals than him in the Championship this season, despite his limited involvement. 

The Pink Un: Josh Sargent has hit form at the perfect time for Norwich City.Josh Sargent has hit form at the perfect time for Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Stacey was asked to rack his brains post-match on that debate and knows the challenge he poses opposing defences. 

"I don't want to say he is the best striker in the league, but I cannot think of another one. He is deceptively quick so he gives us another dimension in terms of getting behind but in terms of his hold up play as well.

"It's hard to defend against him because he can go in behind or come to feet," Stacey said. "Then anything in the box, as we've seen today, he's had one really big chance and taken it.

"He's underrated in the air so I know that if I can beat the first man with a cross then there is a chance for him or Ashley to get on the end of it. It's good to have those options."