Norwich City centre-back Michael Turner is forecasting a bright future for his England U21 defensive ally Ryan Bennett.

Turner admitted yesterday he knew little about the former Peterborough man prior to his own summer switch from Sunderland, but the ex-Hull defender now feels the 22-year-old has what it takes to make it to the very top.

The duo started both of the Canaries' final two pre-season warm up games and look set to renew their partnership when the real Premier League action starts at Fulham tomorrow afternoon..

'I didn't know a great deal about Ryan before I came here, but I have played alongside him a couple of times now and I've been impressed by his attributes,' said Turner. 'He is a young player and I think his game will suit the Premier League. Hopefully he can have a long career there.

'He will probably be looking to me and my experience of playing to help him along. Every player on the pitch will need each other – it's important that people pick up good relationships all over the pitch to get the team playing well.

'I've been very impressed with individuals at the club. I obviously saw the team play last year and you could see that they played well as a team, but individually sometimes you can't see that. In training you see different things and I've been really impressed.

'Hopefully that can all bode well.'

Turner does not buy into the theory City will find it more difficult second time around in the top flight, but he knows the value of a positive start at Craven Cottage.

'Every game in this league is tough – you are coming across world class players every week. There's no point losing sleep about it, we know it's going to be tough,' he said.

'You've just got to go out there and do your best. It would be nice to get the first points – it's always nice to get something on the board in the first game. It gives you something to build on and that's what we're focusing on, performing well at Fulham and coming away with something.

'This is going to be a new experience for everyone. We know that if we perform to the level that we did last year then I'm sure we can do more than fine. It's going to be a tough year. Every game in this league is hard and I think if everyone sticks together through the good and the bad results then you will be all right.'

Turner is already adapting to life in Norfolk.

'It can be tricky changing location so it's difficult from that point of view but I've been made very welcome by the lads and everyone at the club,' he said. 'Hopefully coming here means regular football for me. I picked up an injury a couple of years ago which set me back in terms of playing. I was in and out the team – I just want to play games at a great club like Norwich.

'They have got fantastic facilities and a new manager coming in, who I think can improve me as a player. Coming from League One straight up to the Premier League is a great achievement.

'To stay in the league is wonderful and we're just looking to build on that. There are some great players at the club and I want to come with them on the journey that they're on.'