Surman considers South Africa

Surman, 26, was born in Johannesburg, although the former Southampton man represented England Under-21s during its 2009 European Championship qualifying campaign.

The Bafana Bafana was keen for Surman, signed by Norwich from Wolves in June 2010, to join up with it earlier this year as it looked towards the next World Cup.

For now, though, Surman will put any international ambitions "on the back burner" as he concentrates on club matters and raising a young family in Norfolk.

"I haven't ruled it out, but it is just at this moment in time I don't think it's something I need in my life, though it was a great honour to be approached," Surman said in the Eastern Daily Press.

"I think it would be a lot, especially with the African Nations Cup, to be travelling around the world.

"The club is my focus and I have got a young family, a three-year-old and a one-year-old.

"It's something that needs to be put on the back burner a little bit.

"We have had a new [Norwich] manager coming in as well and I need to concentrate fully on my club football."

Surman agreed a new deal at Norwich earlier this year after the arrival of Chris Hughton.

"He has come in and put his mark on things and stamped his authority and he's got the full respect of the players," Surman added.

The Canaries battled to a 1-1 draw at Tottenham before the international break, a vast improvement on the 5-0 mauling at Fulham on the opening day.