Daniel Farke does not feel smug despite his Ben Godfrey hunch paying off in a club record deal for Norwich City.

Farke converted the new Everton man from a holding midfielder into a centre back after he returned from an impressive loan stint at Shrewsbury in 2018.

Godfrey went on to be a key part of the Canaries’ Championship title-winning side and captain his country at England Under-21s level before the big-spending Premier League leaders came calling.

“People were saying he was too good to be a centre back but I am not saying I am a genius. I can be right, I can be wrong,” said Farke. “Sometimes it is not a bad thing if a coach is too stubborn. You just try to make more good than bad decisions.

“I am proud of Ben. It is down to him, not me. I can work with him but he has to make the step.

“I remember when I first arrived he was a young lad, central midfielder on his way to Shrewsbury for a season long loan as a holding midfielder. Now two and a bit years later he is rated one of the best young centre backs in the world. So you do feel you have done something right, and that is very satisfying as a coach.

“It is disappointing I can’t use him any more.

“Frustration is the wrong word. You are happy for them and the club because it is definitely good business. But as a coach if you have the best left back, best centre back and best right back you have great chances to be successful. It is a chance for others to step in to prove they are better.”

Godfrey’s place against Derby County was taken by Ben Gibson, who turned in an assured debut following his summer loan move from Burnley.

The left-sided central defender was a top transfer target for the Canaries in a deal that could become permanent if the club seal promotion at the first attempt.

“I was pleased with him,” said Farke. “His first real game in nearly two years and only back in team training for four weeks. It is a sign of his character you didn’t see any rusty behaviour.

“Top class in his defending and he looked quite calm in his build up play.

“I was pleased he could go for 90 minutes without any doubts about his fitness level.

“He deserved to come back into the dressing room with a clean sheet. I felt a bit sorry for him.”