Gabby Sara and Max Aarons can become Norwich City’s ‘Likely Lads’ in pursuit of Championship promotion. 

Dean Smith paired the duo down the right in a match-sealing double act against Rotherham. 

The Brazilian summer signing turned in his most influential display since arriving from Sao Paulo, while Smith hailed Aarons as ‘back to his best’ after being dropped recently. 

Smith is convinced the left-footed Sara can be a Championship wildcard now he has played catch up following his initial ankle injury. 

“He's one who can play a number of different roles. He's played as a 10 before, he can come off the left, he can come off the right. He can play as a central midfielder as well,” said the City chief. “He's got a lot of attributes for different positions. We just felt at Rotherham on that right hand side he could have an impact.

"He's got two good feet. I always felt he was one who needed the games to get a little bit of rhythm, and he was injured at the time he arrived, so we've had to rehab him and get him back.

"But the nature of the Championship, when the games come thick and fast mean it is really tough to get him a run to give him some rhythm. But he seems to be getting that now. I thought it was a good performance against Rotherham, and I think you will see him grow and get better.” 

Sara and Aarons look poised to build on their blossoming relationship against Middlesbrough at Carrow Road. 

“If a partnership works then although it is a squad game now that continuity is normally the best way to build momentum,” said Smith. “They made the first goal and then Max plays a really good ball into Sarge (Josh Sargent) in the pocket for the second, after Gabby had created the space for him. 

“I thought Max had a good game last week. He got caught on the ball a couple of times, there was one cross that went in I felt he should have stopped. But in general a really good performance from him.

"He was involved in a lot of the good things that happened for the team. I thought they were going to score at the end and he got a great block as well, which he's become renowned for in the dressing room, because he normally celebrates those goal-saving blocks.”