James Milner heaped praise on Lewis Dunk as he said having a hometown hero as captain is fantastic for the club.

Milner took on a senior role in the squad after joining in the summer, but said that Dunk’s attitude and the atmosphere he helps to create helped him settle into the dressing room fast.

Heading into pre-season the midfielder said that it is great to be led by a player who “knows the club inside out” – adding that Dunk thrives on the support of the fans to perform at his best.

Speaking to Albion’s podcast, he said: “I think it's important to have leaders right through the dressing room for sure.

“Obviously, you've got the captain and it's fantastic how long Dunky's been here. He knows the club inside out.

“That's great for the fans as well. I think it's so important to have someone who the fans see as one of their own amongst all these other talents who are coming in from all over the world.

“It's amazing to have, but you always want those local boys to do well. It's great that we're led by a player like him – but it's important he has that support too.

“We need more than one captain out there in terms of being vocal, but every leader within the squad is going to be different.

“How they put messages across, how they lead, whether it's by example, whether it's by shouting, encouraging or giving out a rocket here and there.

“We've definitely got a good group of players who have different characteristics, and different levels of patience.

"And the atmosphere is such that people will say what they think. If someone needs pulling out on something or suggesting ‘can you do this next time?

“People listen and that's super important. That's why it's been so easy to settle in this season because the atmosphere is fantastic and you can say exactly what you think and everyone will take it in the right way, knowing that you're trying to help."

Dunk continues to dominate in defence having made over 400 appearances for Albion since 2009.

His good form also continues to win him plaudits from Gareth Southgate and he will hope to head into the Euros in contention for playing time in Germany.

James Milner signed a new contract with Albion two weeks ago, extending his stay at the club until next year.