The 23-year-old spent most of his time at Manchester United out on loan and, while several clubs – including Sunderland – used him regularly in the Championship, he was sent back to Old Trafford during a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers as Sam Allardyce did not rate him.
But he is on the verge of a call up to the full England squad.
Is Chris Hughton getting more out of the player than Fergie did?
Danny Simpson: “I am fortunate I have come back in to a team that has been performing well and England representatives have been watching.
"If your team is performing well you are going to perform well with them. There is me, Joey (Barton), Andy, it is nice to hear.
“Before the game on Wednesday there were rumours which the lads had all heard. It is nice to have that recognition. You just have to keep your head down and not carried away by anything.
“Last season I didn’t feel as good as I have this season. I sorted that out, worked on my fitness, got back in the team. Playing behind Joey has worked well, he has really helped me.
“I have never played for the Under-21s. I wasn’t playing week in and week out at 19 and 20, so it would be extra special for me to be involved next week. At the moment, though, it’s just rumours. I’ll have to wait and see like everybody else.”