Joleon Lescott has backed Gary Neville's appointment as a member of Roy Hodgson's England backroom team - even if it means he has to stay away from the chocolate cake at dinner.

Hodgson sprang a major surprise last week when it was confirmed Neville had signed a four-year contract as coach, with major responsibilities to act as liaison man between England's players and their new manager.

Doubts were expressed about Neville's suitability for the role given his status as a media pundit and long-time association with Manchester United.

He has quickly settled in though, taking part in Thursday's training session at the Etihad Stadium, where he was seen offering advice to Andy Carroll in particular.

So far, conversation with Lescott has been restricted to telling the Manchester City defender not to touch the chocolate cake on offer at dinner in the Lowry Hotel on Wednesday night.

But, having seen his work for Sky Sports, the 29-year-old does not believe there will be a problem.

"A lot of people thought he might be biased towards Manchester United but, watching the games and hearing his opinions, I don't think he has," said Lescott.

"He probably has (said bad things about him). But he's very professional in what he does. His comments are fair and valid.

"He is level across the board, so it's easier to take the criticism if he's giving you any."

As a former team-mate of Neville's brother Phil, Lescott is acutely aware of the ultra-professional streak that runs through the family.

And Lescott understands the one-time full-back will not be afraid to offer advice when required.

"He hasn't addressed me yet," he said. "He just told me to stay away from the chocolate cake at dessert.

"If coaches and staff feel they need to address you, I am sure they will.

"But I think it's more natural for Gary to do it because he's only been out of the game a year or so."

Pointers to Carroll could be particularly important given the injury concerns surrounding Danny Welbeck.

The United striker has been battling to overcome an ankle problem sustained in the Manchester derby on April 30.

He was only able to do light work on his own, which at the very least means he is highly unlikely to be involved against Norway.

Carroll therefore is set to step in after earning his selection thanks to some excellent late-season performances for Liverpool.

"Andy's always a handful to play against," said Lescott.

"He has great ability. International football is not just about that aerial threat but not many teams have the presence he brings that to the squad.

"He had such a good finish to the season and been called into the squad for a major tournament so if his confidence is not high for now there's not a lot it will be high for."

If there is a concern over Welbeck, Hodgson must be even more worried about Glen Johnson given the Liverpool full-back did little more than a few stretching exercises for treatment on what the FA said was a bruised toe.

Like Welbeck, he seems highly unlikely to feature against Norway, with Phil Jones set to replace him at right-back in Oslo and standby player Phil Jagielka partnering Lescott in central defence.

The good news is that Scott Parker came through training with no reaction to the injection he had in his Achilles last week, although Hodgson will monitor the Tottenham man's fitness before making a final decision on his availability.

With Chelsea duo John Terry and Gary Cahill due to report for training on Tuesday, Lescott must know tomorrow represents his big chance to impress ahead of what will be his first major Finals tournament.

Two years ago, any slight chance he had of making the World Cup was wrecked by a pre-tournament hamstring injury.

And, after some bizarre selection experiences this season, he was not entirely sure he would make the cut under Hodgson despite impressing in City's Premier League title triumph.

"We had a great start to the season at City, kept a few clean sheets and I thought things were going well but I didn't get selected in October," he said.

"Then I got called in and played against Spain the following month but missed out on Sweden and I wasn't in the Holland squad last time initially.

"I never take anything for granted with England, so I was just glad to see my name in there."