Norwich City supporter Ed Balls took time out from electioneering to talk football during a visit to Teesside yesterday.

In an interview with the local newspaper's football writer ahead of the key fixture against Middlesbrough tomorrow, he spoke of his hopes for Norwich City promotion, also suggesting he would like to see the northern club join Norwich City in the top flight.

He also reminisced about previous victories for the Canaries in the interview.

'I would love to have European football back at Norwich, I am not sure it is going to happen for quite a few years,' he added.

He said that as a Norwich fan, and MP, there had to be a fan's voice in a club, adding: 'It is a good thing the Premier League is flourishing around the world, but it should not become detached.'

He said that more needed to be done to ensure grassroots football was not left behind.

He also voiced 'personal' support for a return to safe standing. 'As a private citizen I am rather supportive of that.'

He wished the Middlesbrough football writer good luck for the rest of the season – after tomorrow – adding: 'Maybe we will see you the Premiership, that would be great.'