He told the Sunday Sun: “Nigel Pearson and the gaffer are former centre-halves themselves and have been working on the defence almost every day.
“They are fantastic in helping the likes of myself to develop.
“Nigel has been very good here and with the England Under-21s. To have someone with you, coaching you, watching DVDs of past games with you and pointing out where you are going wrong is a huge help.
“So for Nigel to be able to be there for me at Under-21 level as well – as assistant manager – is brilliant.”
