West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has fired a warning to youngster Reece Oxford after the 18-year-old was nominated for prestigious Golden Boy award.
Oxford made the star studded shortlist, which also includes names such as Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Rashford and Ousmane Dembele, earlier the month.
Bilic feels it is important that Oxford does not let the nomination go to his head.
“Someone recognised him to be nominated for the Golden Boy award.” said Bilic speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Burnley at Turf Moor.
“If he goes one way and thinks he is Mbappe then that’s wrong. He needs to use this in the right way.
“He has got it in him, get his place and start playing regularly. Hopefully he will get that in Germany and it’ll be great to play in the Bundesliga.”
Oxford, who is spending the season on-loan with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, remains grounded and despite not making an appearance for this first team this season, is prepared to be patient for his chance to come.
“I’m just ready now, ready to make my debut, and hopefully it’ll be good and I won’t look back from there.” said Oxford speaking with Sky Sports.
“I just hope to return to West Ham as a more experienced player, ready to play in the Premier League or any league.”
