Paddy Davitt Welsh manager John Toshack has promised Norwich fans new signing Andrew Crofts is the ultimate professional. The 25-year-old missed out on his 14th international cap in the Principality's 2-0 weekend friendly defeat against Croatia to tie up a Carrow Road move from Brighton.

Paddy Davitt

Welsh manager John Toshack has promised Norwich fans new signing Andrew Crofts is the ultimate professional.

The 25-year-old missed out on his 14th international cap in the Principality's 2-0 weekend friendly defeat against Croatia to tie up a Carrow Road move from Brighton.

Crofts signed a three year deal to become Paul Lambert's first summer addition after successfully completing a medical and agreeing personal terms with the Canaries.

Now his international boss is backing Crofts to make the step up from League One football and force his way into the Welsh squad for the upcoming Euro2012 qualifying campaign.

“Its good news,” said Toshack. “I've got a lot of time for Crofty, he is a good pro and his attitude has always been spot on for us, even when he knows he won't be playing. Some of them, when they know they may be not playing, get their heads down a bit and don't push the others as much as they should in training.

“But you certainly couldn't say that about Crofty. You have tell him to ease off a bit. We are all pleased for him, he is a super pro.”

Crofts made his international debut against Azerbaijan in 2005 after progressing through the junior ranks and featured in his country's last European Championship campaign.

Brighton's player-of-the-year was a cult hero amongst the Seagulls' fan base but is confident he leaves with the blessing of the Albion faithful.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the fans,” he said. “They were great to me, giving me player of the year, and I really loved it down there. I just hope they understand that going to Norwich is a massive opportunity for me and too good to turn down.

“It will also be good for my Wales career but next season the first result I will be looking for is Brighton's and I really do hope they get promoted. I have got nothing but praise for the club.

“I also want a say a massive thanks to everyone else - the gaffer, the chairman, Tano (Mauricio Taricco), Charlie (Oatway) and all the lads.

“It's great that the club didn't stand in my way. I know Brighton are going to be a big club and the future is bright for them but Norwich is a massive club and with the history they have behind them it was too good an opportunity to turn down for me and for my family as well. It's a great move for me.”

Crofts had stalled on a new Brighton deal ahead of entering the final year of his current contract after a string of consistent displays helped Gus Poyet's side avoid relegation.

The former Chelsea junior was a virtual ever-present during Brighton's League One campaign - featuring in Albion's 4-1 away defeat at Norwich before Christmas and February's 2-1 loss at the Withdean.

The combative midfielder scored seven goals in 50 appearances on the south coast after previously learning his trade during an eight year stint at Gillingham.