Nathan Redmond's blistering start to the campaign can help him force his way into the senior England set-up.

That's the view of the Norwich City winger's under-21 team-mate Jack Butland – who denied his old pal a goal when Stoke came to Carrow Road recently.

The Stoke City keeper has been impressed by his close friend's start to life back in the Premier League and believes he possesses the right qualities to eventually land a place in Roy Hodgson's squad.

Butland said: 'We do speak about the senior squad.

'It's a target of both of ours to get in there.

'There's nothing I want more for Nathan than for him to get in the squad. He's doing himself no harm at the start of this season.

'He's got himself a couple of goals, his performances have been lively, he's causing teams problems and he's a great player.

'I fully believe he can make that step and it's just down to him now to put the hard work in – which I know he will – and show everyone he can get in that squad.'

Redmond has scored twice in three matches but missed out on his first full cap lastweek after being named in the Young Lions' ranks for matches against the USA's Under-23s side last Thursday and tonight against Norway, in an European Under-21 Championship qualifier.

'Nathan's form early on comes as no surprise to me,' said the shot-stopper.

'I know exactly what he's about. He's in a very good mental place as a player at the minute, which is brilliant.

'That's where you need to be at. He's very driven, focused, knows exactly what he wants and he never fails to perform – whether it be from the start or when he comes on.

'I was surprised he didn't start the first game of the season (against Crystal Palace) but he came on and scored a goal which is the kind of impact you get from him. He makes things happen. If he continues to work hard I only see him going further up.'