West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino credits Gareth Southgate for getting his career back on the rails.
Berahino has scored six goals this season and is preparing for the under-21s' Euro 2015 play-off showdown with Croatia on Friday.
"He (Southgate) kept in touch with me and when I did go and play for England he always had time to sit down and have a chat," he said. "He understood and knew what was going on. He knew it was tough and what was happening. He was a big help.
"He is brilliant, he's a great guy as well and is easy to work with. You understand him and as soon as you seen him you know what he wants.
"Last season he stayed in touch with me and gave me some advice about when he was a youngster, what happened and how he handled certain stuff. It was great to see someone from the national team caring and giving me a call."
