Sam Byram is determined to continue offering a reliable option for Norwich City boss Daniel Farke, as he chases a return to full fitness ahead of the Premier League’s potential return to action next month.

The full-back had started 13 of City’s last 14 top-flight games prior to a hamstring injury which required surgery in February and was set to finish his campaign early, only for football to be suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After a quiet start following a £750,000 summer switch from West Ham, head coach Daniel Farke said Byram had been “fantastic in recent months” as he confirmed the frustrating injury blow.

“I think I was quite patient at first, waiting for my chance to get a good run of games,” said the 26-year-old, who took his chance at left-back after Jamal Lewis had picked up a minor injury in early November. “Obviously it’s down to the manager and both of the other full-backs are very good young players who had very good seasons last season and this season.

“So I knew I was going to have to be patient but I’ve always believed in my ability and I’ve always worked hard, so I tried to keep my head down and try to impress the manager, to be as reliable as I can really.”

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While Byram has been focused on his rehabilitation during football’s suspension, as one of the few people allowed to be at City’s training ground in recent weeks, he has been speaking to Canaries fans. The former Leeds defender has been among the players and staff calling older fans who may be feeling isolated and concerned during lockdown.

“I was very nervous at first because I’m not one who likes phone calls - I’m not an extrovert person,” Byram explained.

“But I actually got a lot out of it, speaking to people. It was a real mixed bag, some people were surprised that you were calling and I think some people didn’t really know who I was! I think they just thought I was someone reaching out from the club.

“And then other people who just wanted someone to speak to. I had a lovely man who spoke to me for about 20 minutes about his cricket career and about different players that used to play cricket and things like that. So I can tell how much it means to people and I’ve heard a lot of good things from the other players who have been doing it.”