Chris Hughton has revealed that John Ruddy was 'as professional as he always has been' when the Newcastle United goalkeeper previously saw a move to Chelsea fall through.

Chelsea had multiple bids turned down by Norwich City for the one-time England international more than a decade ago so the Blues instead moved for Mark Schwarzer. Schwarzer went on to play in a Champions League semi-final and made such a valuable contribution behind the scenes that Jose Mourinho ensured the shot-stopper received a replica Premier League winner's medal - even after he left the club to join Leicester City in 2015.

Ruddy stayed at Norwich, suffering two relegations in three seasons, and the 37-year-old's conduct during the saga gives an insight into his character as Hughton explained.

"Put it this way, if you're a goalkeeper at Norwich and one of the big clubs come in for you, generally, you will want to go," the former Newcastle and Norwich boss told ChronicleLive. "This is normal. This is football.

"It's about whether it happens or not. If it doesn't happen, it's about showing maturity and making sure that you're getting on with the job in hand so that it doesn't affect you.

"It never affected him one little bit right the way through that. Goalkeepers are different. It's such an individual position. You have to be 100% focused on the job you're doing. It's that type of position. John was as professional as he always has been."