'Hopefully it gets me a ticket!' - Josh Sargent claims he 'deserves' USMNT spot at 2024 Copa America after firing Norwich into mix for Premier League promotion

Norwich City finds themselves on the course of qualification for the play-offs, with Sargent's 15 goals proving pivotal despite his absence for four months due to an ankle injury. Although caution surrounding his ankle hindered his participation in the USA's last international camp in March, Sargent, at 24 years old, remains optimistic about his chances of representing his nation in the Copa America which will be held on US soil.

Talking to the Pink Un, Sargent said: "I'll just keep working and doing what I'm doing. Obviously, I was very upset that I wasn't able to join the guys in camp. I've just been dealing with this ankle that's been lingering on for a while now. To be honest, having that little break seems to have done it a really good job, it's feeling like it's in a really good place at the moment.

"As long as I keep doing what I'm doing here at club level I feel like I deserve to be back with the team in the summer. I always want to be with the national team, any time I can. Unfortunately due to injuries and whatnot, I just haven't been able to get with the guys. It's been a while, I'm playing really well and if I keep doing what I'm doing here, I feel like there's no reason I shouldn't be with them."

The Copa America, scheduled to be held in the US this year, presents a significant opportunity for Sargent to make his mark on the international stage and the forward is keeping no stone unturned to earn a call from Gregg Berhalter. He added to CBS Sports: "It's obviously massive. I'm just going to try to take care of business here, do the best I can, and hopefully, it gets me a ticket to the Copa America. I think everybody's looking forward to it. It's such a massive tournament, and hopefully, we can impress and do some good things there."

However, Sargent faces stiff competition from compatriot Haji Wright, who is on 15 goals as well and is one of the contenders for a USMNT berth.

Meanwhile, Norwich head into the Bristol City game on Saturday occupying the fourth and final Championship promotion play-off place. With a six-point lead over Hull City, a victory over Bristol would significantly bolster Norwich's aspirations of returning to the Premier League, despite the Tigers having a game in hand.