Last Updated: Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:17
Norwich boss Chris Hughton has heaped the praise on goalkeeper John Ruddy following his performance against Manchester United.
Hughton revealed he has been delighted with his side's defending in recent weeks and praised central defensive duo Sebastien Bassong and Michael Turner for their displays in the 1-0 win over United on Saturday.
The Canaries boss also highlighted the performance of keeper Ruddy, who made some outstanding saves to deny the title chasers an equaliser at Carrow Road last time out.
"I've been impressed with John, particularly in recent games, where we have been tight as a unit," he told the Norwich Evening News.
"They're the moments of concentration that you have to have. For him, it wasn't so much saving the one versus one efforts (against United). It was about real concentration levels, about making good decisions to come and when not to come, to get among bodies and so on.
"That is a mark of a really good keeper when you have to make those decisions in a match."
Ruddy has one cap for England as he has been unable to usurp Manchester City star Joe Hart as the Three Lions' first-choice stopper.
Hughton, however, is convinced the Norwich keeper will continue to be selected for England and believes Ruddy will pick up more caps in the future.
Roy Hodgson was in the stands at Carrow Road as the Canaries upset United, and Hughton feels the attentions of the England boss and his involvement with the national side will be a huge benefit to Ruddy.
He added: "It's always nice for the England manager to be present and for John to keep a clean sheet in front of him. Every player would want to play at international level. If you're playing at international level and can be seen to play at international level, it's recognition of where you are at. I would think if that doesn't give him a lift then nothing will."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.