OPINION
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is set to miss the next three games due to the red card he gained in the clash with Leicester City on Saturday.
Will some have condemned the mainstay for such a reckless challenge – however, one player who could seek salvation from it is young defender Reece Oxford.
The youngster has had an indifferent time with the Hammers, but he now has the opportunity to salvage what is left of his career with the Irons by replacing Noble.
Noble will no doubt be a major loss to Manuel Pellegrini, but Oxford must prove that he is capable of taking his shoes in what is a make or break time for him.
The 19-year-old is normally known as a centre-back, but Oxford has the attributes to play as a defensive midfielder or a defensively-minded central midfielder – and now could not be a better chance to shine, especially as the likes of Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez remain on the sidelines.
He has failed to make the first team squad this season but he has been a regular for the under-23s side, but Pellegrini must morph him into a midfielder in order to give him more game time.
Yes, question marks have been raised over the attitude of the young enforcer in the past, but if he is given the chance by Pellegrini to save his career at West Ham, then he must make the most of it.
The injuries to the midfielders have been mounting up recently, so there is no better time to rescue a career that he is slowly losing grasp of by helping out the first team.
Oxford has the potential to be an excellent player and this possible opportunity really could be the making of him – and his value could soar as a result because he would be more versatile, get more game-time and as everyone knows, midfielders cost more than defenders.
Pellegrini must take the plunge and make a vital decision that benefit both Oxford and the senior team.
