Oliver Skipp and Jacob Sorensen have impressed Alex Tettey so far – but Norwich City’s experienced battler will ensure the young midfield duo have to work hard to keep him out of the team.

Tottenham loanee Skipp and Denmark Under-21 international Sorensen are set to compete with Tettey, Lukas Rupp, Kenny McLean and Mario Vrancic for the central midfield roles this season, with Tom Trybull and Mo Leitner not given squad numbers and searching for new clubs.

Former Norway international Tettey is heading into his ninth season as a Canaries player, with nine appearances needed to reach 250 and move into level 38th in the club’s all-time list - and likes what he’s seen from the youngsters.

“They’ve done really well,” the 34-year-old said. “Skipp is obviously from Tottenham, he’s played a couple of games and has looked a very good player.

“And Jacob as well has come in and has been so calm and very good in training as well. So fantastic signings and it’s up to me to give them that push, that ‘you are going to play but don’t take it for granted’ in a way.

“I will help them as much as I can because they should play, definitely, and I hope they play and do well.”

Tettey played in defence throughout pre-season as Grant Hanley works his way back from a hamstring injury, having also been needed at centre-back to cover injuries on several occasions in the Premier League last season.

The former Rennes and Rosenborg midfielder is happy to get stuck in wherever Daniel Farke needs him though.

“I’m not complaining,” Tettey added. “He’s always said since he first came to the club that I can play there. I have been a bit scared of it because when you play there and you make a mistake it is a goal.

“So for me it’s more about getting used to it and winning over that fear of making a mistake at the back but the more you play there, the more confidence you get that you can play there.

“For me it’s been okay. I’m not getting any younger so it doesn’t hurt me! I’m learning, it’s a new position, it’s not that different to playing central midfield but it is different in many ways.

“It was great to play alongside Ben (Godfrey) and I’ve played alongside Timm (Klose), so they are talking me through it.”