DON’T CHANGE YOUR STYLE, FARKE

BEN GODFREY has quickly established himself as one of Norwich’s best young prospects.

Godfrey was made England Under-21 captain last month and was flown to Germany for a beatthe-clock hernia operation to get him ready for today’s trip to Bournemouth.

But perhaps what has helped him on his long journey to the Premier League is his down-toearth attitude and willingness to learn, especially when advice comes from an England legend.

Norwich centre-half Godfrey has been quick to turn to Rio Ferdinand (below) whenever he needs some help or tips on defending.

“In terms of being a centreback, there’s not been a better person to speak to for advice in however many years,” said

Godfrey.

“Anything he says, goes really.

He’s class and helps me so much. He’s got a lot of time for me. He’s a top guy and it’s good to speak to him.

“I will get my clips together after a game, send them to Rio and he’ll come back and say: ‘To be honest, I’d have done this or this…’ or tell me what I’ve done well. I’m always trying to learn and improve and there’s no-one better to give me advice.”

It is easy to understand why because there are similarities because Godfrey, 21, likes to be seen as a ball-playing centre-half.

He started life like every kid wanting to be a striker, moved back into midfield and only really came into his own as a defender just over a year ago.

Godfrey comes from York, grew up in a family obsessed by rugby league – his dad Alex played for Hull Kingston Rovers – and went through the lower divisions before a year on loan at Shrewsbury got him ready for Norwich. Last season was an incredible joyride to promotion from the Championship and boss Daniel Farke and sporting director Stuart Webber were determined not to abandon the players who got them into the promised land.

Godfrey, who is represented by Ferdinand’s New Era Global Sports company, said: “It’s been the best year of my life.

“When the final whistle went against Blackburn last season and we’d won promotion, you knew the next thing you’d be doing was playing in the Premier League and it felt so good.

“You can go up in the Premier League, spend a ridiculous amount of money and still get relegated. You may as well go young, hungry, almost naive in a sense, but that means you don’t have any fear. I believe young and hungry is the way forward.

“We really believe we will stay up. It’s such a mad league, but we’re very confident we can stay up.” That unshakeable belief will come in useful in the next few weeks. After the incredible high of beating Manchester City at Carrow Road, came three backto-back defeats with a 5-1 thrashing at home by Aston Villa before the international break.

Godfrey himself has spent the last two weeks undergoing surgery rather than joining up on England Under-21 duty. But, incredibly, he is back in full training and ready to play today. He said: “I had a little operation in Germany, was gutted to miss the England games but I had to get it sorted. They’ve done everything to get me back for this weekend.

“Being made under-21s captain was such an honour. Getting called up to the squad was big, it was nice to have Max Aarons and Toddy Cantwell as well, then being made captain was nice, it’s a massive achievement and I couldn’t wait to tell my family.

“I enjoy being captain of the team and, with or without the armband, I’d be the same but it’s such a good feeling to lead out your country.”

BOURNEMOUTH boss Eddie Howe has urged his Norwich opposite number Daniel Farke to stick to his attacking beliefs. The Canaries have been accused of being too gung-ho after conceding 21 goals in their eight Premier League games. But Howe, whose team face Farke’s side today, said: “They have approached the Premier League in Norwich City fashion. “If you have had success playing one way, players don’t want to change. I think they have been really impressive and I admire any team that has a philosophy and sticks to it. They are a very attacking team, a brave team, and have good technical players. “The fact they beat Manchester City, which is incredibly difficult to do, shows their capabilities. We are going to have to be very good because they are a dangerous team. “There are similarities between us and them. They play really good football and I admire their way of playing.” Howe is ready to hand summer signing Arnaut Danjuma his first Premier League start at the expense of contract rebel Ryan Fraser. Dutch international Danjuma (left) has had just two substitute appearances since a £14million move from Club Brugge due to injury. Howe added: “Arnaut’s performances have been good. I have been pleased with how he has trained and played and he has built his fitness to come into contention and start. “I will pick the best two wingers based on what I see. I have not seen too much of Ryan as he has been away with Scotland and there was an illness and injury there. But he is a top player so he will be fine.”