Ravel 'at his happiest' in the team and on training pitch

Gareth Southgate has faith in playmaker Ravel Morrison following his recent loan move to Queens Park Rangers.

The 21-year-old has been a regular and impressive performer for Southgate’s England Under-21s this season.

But since the last games in November, Morrison has suffered from injury and lost his place in West Ham’s team, leading to a January switch to the Championship outfit.

"I don't think it is a massive negative to be dropping back down into the Championship, if he is getting regular football," admitted Southgate.

"He possibly didn't think he would play as much Premier League football as he did - I think that is part of the process of development.

"I think for players of that age, they are going to have that path where there is a high and a dip.

"There is a different challenge to overcome and that is what forms you as a player, how you respond to all those successes or set-backs.

"I have had brief chats with him during the last couple of months and what is most pleasing is he was desperate to come and meet up."

It was during the last England get-together three months ago that Morrison became an internet sensation, after producing a spectacular training ground volley.

And after his early-season performances for West Ham, he was tipped by many to be challenging for a place in Roy Hodgson’s senior squad.

But Southgate believes the former Manchester United midfielder is best left to concentrate on the here and now and working on the training ground.

"He is a player who, because of the things he is able to do, will always attract a lot of attention," he added.

"This is a little challenge for him but he has the ability to be successful.

"That is something about which I want to speak to him over the next couple of days in more detail, but I think he is someone who wants to play football.

Morrison celebrates a goal against Lithuania

"He is at his happiest when he is on the training ground and in the team.

"If he is not, then that is a big part of his life that is missing.

"I think West Ham have been fantastic for his development, Sam [Allardyce] and everyone behind the scenes have done a lot of good work this last couple of years.

"I wanted to make sure he was as comfortable as he could be coming into the squad and that will continue."

Tickets for Wednesday’s game at the iPro Stadium are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. These can be purchased in person from the Digonex Ticket Office, by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or by visiting WeAreDerby.com.