Ben Gibson reveals the ex-Middlesbrough team-mates he spoke to before Norwich City move from Burnley

The 27-year-old has moved to Carrow Road on a season-long loan from Burnley, with the move set to become permanent if the Canaries win promotion from the Championship.

Gibson was desperate to leave Burnley after making just one Premier League appearance in two years.

Boro were interested in a deal but would have needed the Clarets to pay a significant chunk of the defender’s wages.

Speaking to Norwich’s website, Gibson admitted: “It’s been a really, really tough two years, I won’t hide from that. I’m someone that wears my heart on my sleeve and not someone who sits comfortable and is happy to sit on the bench.

“I want to play football, that’s why I got involved in the game. That’s what we all dreamed of doing when we were young.

“I had that opportunity and I felt I was quite successful, but I feel that got taken away from me, as such. But when you’ve had that and had a taste of how good it can feel and it gets taken away from you, it makes you even more hungry to get it back.

“Norwich are getting a very motivated player with plenty of desire and I just can’t wait to get to work and help this football club.”

Gibson’s move comes nearly two weeks after fellow Teessider Jordan Hugill made the switch to Carrow Road.

"I’ve spoken to Jordan Hugill, obviously he’s not been here too long but he was telling me what a good bunch of lads they are, how the club is trying to do everything right,” Gibson added.

"I’m an overthinker by trade so I’ve spoken to a lot of people – Daniel Ayala, Robbie Brady, Jordan Rhodes, Jonny Howson, there’s probably a few Norwich legends in there.

“Every single one of them has said the same thing, beautiful area, beautiful part of the world, good people and a very, very good football club.

“It was a no-brainer and it’s always nice when you hear every report back and it’s nothing but positive.”

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Hartlepool Mail website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.