The midfielder showed good form for his club during the season in which they secured their top-flight status by some distance, and is set to play a role for Stuart Pearce's side in the European Under-21 Championships in Sweden next month.

highest level

The 21-year-old said: "I am really looking forward to it. I won't get too much of a break from football but I think it can be really beneficial for me.

"If you want to play at the highest level then you have to put the work in.

"We have got some good players who have got a lot of experience at this level. I think we can do really well."

Since his debut in 2007, Muamba has made 13 appearances for the England Under-21s.