The grass isn't always greener on the other side, but Andrew Surman's departure from Norwich City five years ago turned out perfectly for the player.

Eastern Daily Press: Andrew Surman scoring against West Brom at The Hawthorns Picture: Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdAndrew Surman scoring against West Brom at The Hawthorns Picture: Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+44814 482222)

Surman was a favourite under former boss Paul Lambert, who signed him from Wolves in June 2010.

The South African born midfielder scored in City's 5-1 win at Ipswich in April 2011 – on the way to promotion to the top flight – and in 47 league starts for City scored seven times.

But after a season-affected by injury, Surman was allowed to join Bournemouth – then in the Championship – on a season-long loan in 2013 and, having impressed Cherries boss Eddie Howe, the deal was made permanent, although then City boss Neil Adams was keen for him to stay.

'He knows I want him here,' said Adams at the time. 'He is the type of player we need and he has featured heavily in the pre-season games. He is another one we would love to come on board for the long term.'

Eastern Daily Press: Andrew Surman scores the opening goal in the 5-1 win at Ipswich Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images LtdAndrew Surman scores the opening goal in the 5-1 win at Ipswich Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Focus Images 2011)

At a fee believed to be around £1.2m, Surman has proven good value for Bournemouth.

He made a total of 70 starts in his first two seasons and 38 in the Premier League in 2015-16, with 21 and 20 in the subsequent seasons.

Surman, 32, has started four games this season and is likely to face the Canaries on Tuesday night, with Howe – like most managers with Carabao Cup obligations – opting to rest players.