Crossword Genius

Ned receives attention that's well deserved (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earned

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'well deserved' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'ned receives attention' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'attention' could be 'ear' (having someone's ear is having their attention) and 'ear' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ned' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'that's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earned that I've seen before include "well deserved" , "Gained by labour" , "made money" , "Acquired through work or effort" , "Gained by working" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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