Ben Gibson admits England coach Gareth Southgate recommended he join Norwich City.

Now back in the Prem and preparing for Saturday's trip to champs Manchester City, the defender has not given up hope of finally appearing for his former manager with the England senior team.

Gibson, who played for Southgate with England's Under-21s, was on the bench for three senior games during 2017 — before his career took a massive dive after a 'disastrous' £15million move from Middlesbrough to Burnley in 2018.

He told The Sun: “I did speak to Gareth before joining.

“It is testament to the man that, at the lowest point of my career, he was there for me.

“I met up with him and we had a good conversation.

“Let's be honest, he had much bigger concerns on his plate than speaking to a struggling player who he once managed — but he offered his opinion.

“He was complimentary about the way Norwich played and the area, a football club that is definitely on the up.

“Gareth said, 'You need to be playing football — back your ability, you are a confident lad'.

“That helped me make the Norwich decision, along with massive input from my close family and friends."