Sam Byram has blown Dean Smith away, as his battle with Max Aarons for the right back spot at Norwich City hots up.

Byram missed 22 months through a series of injuries, and multiple surgery, related to a hamstring problem that curtail an impressive Premier League debut season for the club in 2020.

The 28-year-old has since admitted he feared his career was over, but Byram has now made 11 appearances under Smith.

The full back is part of a defence that posted two top flight clean sheets, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Manchester United, in the absence of Aarons, who is now fully fit after his own hamstring lay off.

“Sam is one of those when myself and Shakey (Craig Shakespeare) first came in we said, ‘Wow, what a good player.’ I don't treat him as a player coming back from injury now,” said Smith. “He has earned the right to be classed as a fit footballer, and a Premier League footballer.

"Obviously he has got the history of the injury that ruled him out almost for two years, but now Max is back to full fitness it's going to be a great battle between those two.

"And probably what Max needed, because he has not had too much of a battle to playing 160 games at such a young age.

"He's a really good footballer as well. But I have to say Sam has impressed me.”

Byram can operate on either flank but Brandon Williams and Dimi Giannoulis are locked in a similar struggle at left back.

Giannoulis will play at Old Trafford, with Williams ineligible to face his parent club.

“Dimi’s done better. We've been working on his match fitness and he's getting better,” said Smith. “In terms of his performances I thought he was one of the few bright sparks at Brighton recently.

"He looked quite accomplished on the ball, when not many did, and defensively he's getting better. He's committing himself less, which is not giving the forwards an early answer.

“Brandon's improved a hell of a lot. You only have to speak to him. He needed this season to get away from Manchester United and play regular games to be ready to break in at his club.

“He's a very coachable player. Like most of the loans that we've got here, the biggest compliment I can give them is they feel like Norwich City footballers, and they've embraced being at Norwich City.

"That's a big plus not just for them, but for our football club as well.”