Paul Ince has leapt to the defence of his son Thomas and backed his decision to snub a call-up to the England Under-21s squad recently.

Thomas Ince, on loan at Derby County from Hull City, told Under-21s coach Gareth Southgate not to consider him for this summer's European Championships in a bid to focus on his club career.

The 23-year-old's decision has been questioned and mocked on social network website Twitter, but his father believes that he has made the right choice.

"It was a tough decision for him but I think it's the right one," the former Liverpool and Manchester United midfielder told Sky Sports News.

"His attitude has been spot on. But sometimes you have to be selfish in life and he's got to think about his own long-term future."

Ince has netted six times in nine Championship games for the Rams as they chase automatic promotion into the Premier League.