Former teammate backs James Ward-Prowse to be ‘unbelievable’ in the Championship

Nuno Espirito Santo staying at West Ham spells bad news for Burnley loanee James Ward-Prowse.

That’s according to the midfielder’s former Southampton teammate Shane Long, who believes the 31-year-old would be “unbelievable” in the Championship.

The England international spent the second half of last season on loan at Turf Moor, having found himself frozen out at the London Stadium.

Ward-Prowse played 14 times for the Clarets, but was unable to help keep Scott Parker’s side in the top flight.

He’s now set to return to East London now his loan spell has come to an end, but - unless Espirito Santo has a big change of heart - it appears unlikely he’ll play for West Ham again.

“He'd be unbelievable for West Ham in the Championship, but it just depends on whether the manager stays or not,” Long told BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football betting.

“There's obviously something there with the manager and Prowsey. I can't see him being a bad egg. You'd have him in any squad, so there must be something personal going on or whatever's happened. But if the manager's there, Prowsey won't be.

“When the manager came in and put him straight into the youth team and then sent him out on loan, god knows what was going on.

“It's impacting West Ham as a club more than anything else because they could really benefit from having him in the team.

“The reasoning behind it is confusing because I know Prowsey as a person and a player, to not have him in the dressing room is a wild decision.

“Prowsey's delivery is a joke. Like I said, he's the model pro, he's first in, last out, and always does extra bits. His diet is clean, and he's a good Dad. It's hard to find a bad angle on him.”

What has Ward-Prowse said about Burnley and his future?

“Who knows? It'll be an interesting summer, I think,” he said in February.

“I'll be just looking forward now to focusing on the last remainder of the season. It's been a challenging one in many ways, but I almost feel refreshed coming here that I'm in an environment where I feel appreciated.

“I feel wanted and respected and I'll be looking forward to repaying that to the club for giving me the opportunity.”