The in-form United States frontman followed up his goal against Huddersfield on Tuesday night with a well-taken second half double as the Canaries took another big step forward after a poor start to the campaign.

Bottom after three games, Norwich moved into the top six ahead of the weekend fixtures as a result of a deserved win and are beginning to look like the promotion challengers they were expected to be at the start of the season.

Sargent is trying to earn a spot on the US World Cup roster. After appearing in each of the first three qualifiers last September, Sargent was bypassed for the final 11.

The 22-year-old from Missouri, put the hosts ahead in the 50th minute with a right-foot shot from eight yards off a pass from Daniel Sinani.

He added his second goal in the 75th, beating goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski off a feed from Kieran Dowell's pass.

Sargent scored his first goal of the season in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Huddersfield.

Sargent had just two league goals last season, both in a 3-0 victory against Watford on January 21. He also scored twice in the English League Cup against Bournemouth on August 24.

Norwich finished last in the Premier League last season and were relegated, along with Watford and Burnley.

Norwich manager Dean Smith paid tribute to Sargent.

"I am really pleased for Josh because he came here as a centre-forward and hasn't had too many chances to show what he can do in that position," Smith said.

"But an injury to Teemu (Pukki) has given him his chance and he has certainly taken it with both hands.

"We have always had belief in Josh, and what he can do for the team, and now I have got to look at getting both him and Teemu in the side and scoring goals."

Australian Associated Press