West Ham have seen young defender Declan Rice thrust into the first-team frame this season, as a lack of depth at the back and a wealth of injury problems have led the 19-year-old to enjoy regular opportunities.
With James Collins and Winston Reid both expected to miss this weekend’s clash against Southampton due to injury, Rice is poised to feature at the heart of defence once again in what is the biggest Premier League match in recent years for the Hammers.
Rice has made 24 appearances this season for West Ham and, after pledging his international allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, made his debut for the nation during this week’s international friendly Turkey, where he caught the eye despite a 1-0 defeat.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website after his international bow, Rice said:
“I thought I did well for only being 19 years old on the international scene. I was proud of myself. You’re only out there for 90 minutes and you have to give it everything you’ve got. It’s a game of football at the end of the day.”
“If I’m honest, it brought a little bit of a tear to my eye singing the national anthem and thinking of my nana and granddad. It was a special moment. I knew the anthem well to be fair! But I’ve come away, played in the game and loved every minute of it. I’ve loved being around the team and at the moment I’m fully focused on playing with Ireland.”
Rice has struggled for consistent form this season but fans will hope the boost of his international debut inspires him to a solid end to the season.
