Norwich City boss Neil Adams open to Sebastien Bassong return

Bassong has not played for Norwich since a 1-0 loss to West Brom on 5 April

Norwich City boss Neil Adams says defender Sebastien Bassong still has a future at the club.

The 28-year-old Cameroon international, who Tottenham bought for £8m from Newcastle in 2009, has not played a single minute since Adams took over in early April.

But he featured in a development match against Southampton on Monday, which the Canaries lost 2-0.

"I'll never close the door on any player," Adams told BBC Radio Norfolk.

"I watched the Southampton game and I thought Seb was one of our best players. Professional, disciplined - everything you want from him. I'll tell him that."

Norwich's only injured centre-back is Ryan Bennett, with Adams bringing in Carlos Cuellar and Jos Hooiveld to compete with Bennett and Michael Turner since suffering relegation to the Championship in May.

Meanwhile, last season's top scorer Gary Hooper is likely to be given more time to recover from a calf injury.

The 26-year-old has been working on his match fitness and played 60 minutes in last week's League Cup defeat by Shrewsbury.

"He still feels he is a little bit off it. But he's available," said Adams.

"It's a really professional and honest attitude from him. He feels he needs minutes and games, which is why he has played for the under-21s."