Playing in a Norwich City attacking quartet with Josh Sargent, Borja Sainz and Gabriel Sara is helping Ashley Barnes roll back the years. 

The experienced forward is part of an irresistible Canaries attacking force that has netted eight goals in the last two matches. 

Barnes has two goals in his last three matches and is playing a crucial role as foil to Sargent and is combining well with Sainz and Sara to provide City with a vigour that is causing opponents huge problems. 

Despite his self-deprecation, his colleagues have spoken of his importance, and Barnes is enjoying his football alongside Norwich's talented forward line. 

"It's a joy to play with them every day and to train with them, whatever my age. It's nice to do it, and age is just a number, but I feel as young as them," Barnes, 34, said. 

"I may waddle around a bit more than them, but I'm enjoying my football at the minute. That's all I can do, and I'm striving to get inside those play-offs.

"He (Gabby Sara) is fantastic. In the new role, he has slotted in there easily, and maybe we've found a new position for him as well. He can play anywhere, he is versatile and that is what we have in our team.

"We have people who can play in different positions, and that is a credit to everyone. We have Lungi at the back who has stepped in and been magnificent. Gunny has kept us in games. You could go through the whole team. It's one collective that is all together."

Barnes has recorded 10 goal contributions in 28 Championship appearances as well as bringing intangible qualities to City's side. 

Eastern Daily Press: Ashley Barnes is enjoying his football at Norwich City.Ashley Barnes is enjoying his football at Norwich City. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Even if he doesn't bring the goal-scoring nous of Sargent or the creativity of Sainz and Sara, he has played a key role in their recent uplift in form. Barnes is targeting more goals, but his priority is the team's progress. 

"You always want more and that's the greedy guy that everyone is here. I want more and demand more of myself but as I've always said, if I don't score but the team is winning then I'm happy.

"I'm a complete team player like everyone else in that dressing room," he said. "We have to all be aware that it's about the team performance."