Mohamed Shawky has yet to cement his place in the first team

The 26-year-old Egypt midfielder has made only one start since his move from Al Ahly in August.

However, Southgate is convinced he will be an asset once he adapts to the demands of the English game.

"He is very keen to make a success of his move to England and these things take time," Southgate said.

"He understands he is here not just for a couple of months, but for the longer term, and he wants to know all the time what he has to do to get into the side, which is great.

You can see that he is an intelligent player and he has got quality Gareth Southgate

"He is still a young player, he enjoys living here and wants it to work out, and, given time, we will see a player there.

"He has only been here a couple of months and it has been a very difficult period for the team.

"I haven't felt it right to put him in yet and he totally understands that.

"He has taken a little while to settle in to the speed of the game, but he is still a very young player and we are trying to slowly bed him in to English football."

Southgate is confident Shawky is also developing as he works on the training ground to get himself up to speed.

"We are very pleased with what he has done up to now.

"His training is very good and, when I have spoken to him about the decision, he totally accepts it and wants the team to do well.

"You can see that he is an intelligent player and he has got quality," Southgate added.